Garlic Marinara Sauce

We are officially dug out and that meant I had to go back to work today. Bummer. It was nice having a day off in the middle of the week. I could get used to that!

Who else was snowed in?

Since I had some extra time yesterday, I went ahead and tried a new recipe. A few weeks back I saw Melissa d'Arabian of Ten Dollar Dinners cook this up on the Food Network. It looked so simple and delicious, I knew I had to try it. I adapted my recipe just a little, but for the most part it is the same.

I paired it with some crispy herb chicken (the same chicken I use for chicken parmesan) and it went together perfectly. Even the leftovers for lunch at work today tasted great...but then again I think all pasta dishes taste great the next day:)

Garlic Marinara Sauce

adapted from Melissa d'Arabian

9 gloves garlic, minced

1/2 c. olive oil

6 T. butter

26 oz. can crushed tomatoes

2 T. chopped basil

salt/pepper to taste

Pour olive oil into a small saucepan and add garlic. Cook on a low simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the garlic doesn't stick together. In a medium saucepan add tomatoes and butter over medium heat, until butter melts. Stir in garlic oil, salt, pepper and simmer another 10 minutes to let flavors combine.

Serve with your favorite pasta, use in lasagna, put on top meatball sandwiches or sop it up with a nice hunk of bread. The point is however you use it, it will taste GOOD.

The best part of this dish, is I only used about 2 cups with dinner, so I stuck the rest in the freezer. Easy access for our next pasta night!