Servings: 4
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 3 medium Minced Garlic Cloves
- 28 oz Canned Whole Tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Tabasco Pepper Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Basil Leaves or 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/3 cup Ricotta Cheese (See Note)
- 1/3 cup Plain Yogurt (See Note)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Chop the canned whole tomatoes, reserving the liquid. Add the chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup of the reserved liquid, Tabasco pepper sauce, basil, rosemary, and salt to the saucepan. Mix well.
- Simmer the sauce, uncovered, for 30 minutes, adding more of the reserved tomato liquid if the sauce is too thick.
- In a food processor or blender, process the ricotta cheese and plain yogurt until smooth.
- Stir the ricotta cheese and yogurt mixture into the tomato sauce. Heat the sauce without allowing it to come to a boil. Note that the sauce may appear slightly grainy, but it will become smooth when added to hot pasta.
- Serve the creamy tomato sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy!
NOTE:
- You can use low-fat ricotta cheese and yogurt if desired.
Here are some variations of the Creamy Tomato Sauce recipe:
- Creamy Tomato and Spinach Sauce: Add a handful of fresh spinach leaves to the sauce during step 2 and allow them to wilt. This adds a nutritious boost and a vibrant green color to the sauce.
- Creamy Tomato and Mushroom Sauce: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onion and garlic in step 1. The mushrooms will add an earthy flavor and a meaty texture to the sauce.
- Creamy Tomato and Sausage Sauce: Brown some Italian sausage in the saucepan before adding the onion and garlic. The sausage will infuse the sauce with its savory flavors and create a heartier sauce.
- Creamy Tomato and Herbs Sauce: Experiment with different herbs to enhance the flavor of the sauce. Add a combination of fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley during step 2. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available.
- Creamy Tomato and Vegetables Sauce: Add a variety of sautéed or roasted vegetables to the sauce for added texture and flavor. Some great options include bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
- Creamy Tomato and Protein Sauce: Customize the sauce by adding your choice of cooked protein. Try diced cooked chicken, shrimp, or cooked ground meat like beef or turkey. Simply add the protein during step 3 and heat it through.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce: is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines the richness of tomatoes with creamy elements like ricotta cheese and yogurt. This sauce adds a delicious twist to your pasta dishes, bringing together a tangy tomato flavor with a creamy and smooth texture.The base of the sauce is made by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, which provides a savory foundation for the dish. Canned whole tomatoes are then added, along with Tabasco pepper sauce, basil, rosemary, and salt. These ingredients infuse the sauce with aromatic flavors and a hint of spiciness.