TOMATO BASIL SAUCE

A rich, flavorful sauce made with just a few pantry staples—perfect for any pasta night.

Ingredients:

• 1 white onion, peeled and halved

• 3–4 cloves garlic, peeled

• Olive oil

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 large fresh basil leaves

• Optional: pasta of choice & reserved pasta water

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onion & Garlic
   In a large pan over medium heat, add a generous drizzle of olive oil. Place the halved white onion cut-side down in the pan. Add the garlic cloves around the onion. Cook until the garlic just begins to brown and becomes fragrant. Remove garlic and set aside (you’ll use some again later).

2. Cook the Tomatoes
   Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan with the onion. Cover with a lid and let everything simmer. The tomatoes will begin to break down and release their juices—let them cook until it resembles a rustic sauce. Keep the onion face-down the entire time so it caramelizes gently into the sauce.

3. Meanwhile, Cook Pasta or Protein (Optional)
   While your sauce is simmering, cook your pasta or desired protein. Be sure to save a little bit of that pasta water if you’re going the pasta route!

4. Blend the Sauce
   Once the tomatoes are soft and the onion is caramelized, remove the onion halves and place them in a blender. Add back a couple of the roasted garlic cloves, the cooked tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. Blend until smooth. Optional: strain the sauce for a silkier texture—but honestly, I didn’t and it was totally fine!

5. Finish the Sauce
   If using pasta, pour the sauce over the noodles and stir. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your liking.

That's It!

Rich, slightly sweet from the caramelized onion, and perfectly balanced by the garlic and basil—this is your new go-to pasta sauce using just four whole ingredients. Simple, homemade, and way better than anything from a jar.