My Quick, Easy Pasta Sauce

This is one of my favorite things to make and the one of the family's favorite things to eat. Simple, easy, and delicious. I threw this together last summer when it was hot and I was out of ideas and it was an instant hit. As I am rarely one to not use a set recipe, I was pleasantly surprised that I could actually make something on my own.

Ingredients
Italian Sausage (as much as you think you need to feed everyone)
1 red bell pepper
1/2 yellow onion
minced garlic
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
spices (you'll probably already have them all)
baking soda

Step 1: Cut italian sausage into 1/2 inch-1 inch coin pieces. Brown in skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Dice red bell pepper and onion.
I use my Vidalia Chop Wizard for this. I actually use it to dice almost everything, tomatoes, cucumber, potatoes, etc. I literally use this thing every day and cant imagine life without it.

Step 3: Add to sausage and saute 3-5 min until veggies start to get soft

Step 4: Add minced garlic and saute 1 min longer
I use the organic minced garlic that I buy in a huge jar at Costco. I use garlic in almost everything and not having to peel and mince my own saves me tons of time.

Step 5: Add both cans of tomato
I also buy these in bulk at Costco. Organic, cheap, and a great tomato sauce base.

Step 6: Add spices to taste. I add italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. I never measure any of these out, just use what looks good. Don't forget the sugar (about 1/2 tsp or so) as it cuts the bitterness of the tomatoes.

Step 7: Simmer for 10 min or longer, it's really up to you. I don't have a magic number...it really depends on what time it is.

Step 8: About 5 min before you want to serve sauce add about 1tsp baking soda and stir. You will see it start to bubble and turn an orange color.


The baking soda will cut down on the acidity of the sauce and help prevent heartburn. Simmer until all the bubbling stops.

You are now ready to serve over your pasta of choice. Our favorite is angel hair.

I use a microwave pasta cooker and I love it. Angel hair only takes 14 min. My kitchen has the tendency to get really, really hat when cooking, especially in the summer, and this little thing has saved me. It not only cooks pasta but lots of other things, including potatoes. Being able to get rid of the boiling pot of water on my stove has made all the difference.

Last night I served it with raw broccoli and ranch dressing to dip.


Yummy!