Instant Creamy Marinara Sauce (Printable version)

Velvety tomato sauce made quickly with butter and seasonings, ideal for pasta or pizza bases.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Sauce Base

01 - 2 cups tomato sauce, plain and unsalted if possible

→ Dairy

02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Seasoning

03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - ½ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
05 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Additions

06 - 1 tablespoon heavy cream
07 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano)

# How to make it:

01 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the tomato sauce, butter, and garlic powder.
02 - Stir until the butter melts completely and the sauce begins to simmer, approximately 5 minutes.
03 - Add salt and black pepper, stirring well to incorporate.
04 - For a richer texture, incorporate heavy cream and dried Italian herbs if desired.
05 - Allow the sauce to simmer an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over pasta, as a dipping sauce, or on pizza.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than ordering delivery, with ingredients most kitchens already have.
  • The butter transforms ordinary tomato sauce into something that coats pasta like it was made by someone who actually knows what they're doing.
  • It's forgiving enough for weeknight chaos but elegant enough to serve without apology.
02 -
  • Medium heat is non-negotiable because high heat makes the sauce separate and look broken—butter needs gentleness.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning after the salt goes in, not before; tomato sauce can surprise you with its own saltiness and you don't want to overdo it.
03 -
  • Use unsalted butter so you control the salt level completely; salted butter's sodium adds up faster than you think.
  • The moment the butter melts and the sauce begins to simmer is your signal that the magic is starting—don't miss that window by getting distracted.
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