Toni’s Marinara Sauce

Great sauce for Tortellini or Pasta Shells.

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 large onion, chopped

6 garlic cloves, sliced

1 Lb fresh mushrooms, sliced (may substitute small can of sliced ripe olives and/or 1/2 cup salad olives

1/2 tsp dried crushed red pepper

1 28-oz can Italian plum tomatoes, chopped, juices reserved

1 15 oz can tomato sauce

1 tsp sugar

1 1/2 tsp dried basil

3/4 tsp dried oregano

1/2 can tomato paste to thicken sauce (optional or to taste)

3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; saute until tender, about 10 minutes. Add garlic; saute 1 minute.
2. Add mushrooms and crushed red pepper; saute until mushrooms just begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and reserved juices. Cover and simmer 15 minutes.
4. Uncover and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add pasta (suggest tortellini or shells) and 2 tbsp parsley to sauce. Transfer to large bowl. Garnish with remaining parsley. Serve, passing Parmesan separately.