Are you tired of bland, boring pasta sauces that leave you craving more? Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this incredible Smooth Spaghetti Sauce with Spinach! This Italian-inspired recipe is not just another tomato sauce – it's a flavor-packed, nutrient-rich culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy sauce that's both deliciously smooth and secretly packed with healthy spinach, proving that nutritious can also mean incredibly tasty.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing spinach, peeling and chopping onion, and mincing garlic cloves.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm but not smoke.
- Add chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour the entire can of crushed tomatoes into the pan, stirring to combine with onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle dried basil, salt, and pepper into the sauce. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Add fresh spinach leaves to the sauce, stirring gently until they wilt and incorporate smoothly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper to preference.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over cooked pasta, garnishing with optional fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The key to an outstanding sauce is using fresh garlic, high-quality crushed tomatoes, and crisp spinach leaves.
- Sauté slowly: Take your time caramelizing onions and garlic. This builds a deep, rich flavor foundation for your sauce.
- Let it simmer: Allow the sauce to cook on low heat to help the flavors meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
- Don't overcook spinach: Add spinach at the end and just wilt it briefly to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Adjust seasonings gradually: Taste and season in small increments to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Optional enhancement: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
