Step 1

Easy Everyday Tomato Sauce:

Step 3

Heat the oil in a saucepan or high-sided skillet set over medium heat. Cook the garlic and hot pepper flakes until golden and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.

Step 5

Stir in the jarred and fresh tomatoes, and the salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until the flavours marry and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the basil leaves. This sauce will have a fresh and tangy tomato flavour.  For thicker, richer and sweeter tomato sauce, cook for 1 to 2 hours.

Step 7

Saucy Skillet Lasagna:

Step 9

Preheat the broiler on your oven with the rack in the middle position. Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the package directions; drain reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

Step 11

Bring the sauce to a boil in 10-inch ovenproof skillet. Toss in the lasagna noodles, the reserved pasta water and the Parmesan. Dot with ricotta and sprinkle with mozzarella.

Step 13

Broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with basil.

Step 15

Alternatively, toss noodles with pasta water and cold Easy Everyday Tomato Sauce. Layer with ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan in oiled 10-inch skillet or baking dish. Cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 425F degree oven for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake until golden brown and bubbling, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 17

Yield: Makes about 2 ¾ cups of tomato sauce and 4 servings of lasagna