Homemade Creamy Marinara

Here's to semi-homemade cooking. This creamy marinara sauce goes fantastic with Costco's cheese ravioli's! I think Armando's, a local Italian restaurant in town, should hire me after watching their chef's buy carts full of Costco's Lobster Ravioli's, which I've ordered from their menu before for around $15. Needless to say, I make a pot at home now instead of paying $15 for 5 Ravioli's!!

1/4 Cup onion, diced
1/4 Cup butter, divided
1 garlic cloves minced
3/4 tsp dill weed
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
2 1/2 Cups canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 to 1 (6 oz can) tomato paste
2 c chicken stock or broth
1 T flour
1 t salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 Cup Cream, or Half-n-Half

1/2 to 1 lb. Sausage (optional)

In a large pot, melt 6 T butter. Saute onions, garlic, and herbs on medium low for about 5 minutes, until onion is SOFT and translucent. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken stock and heat to simmer.

In a separate small saucepan, make a roux with the flour and remaining 2 T butter, whisking constantly over medium heat for 3 minutes, without browning. Add roux to stock, whisking to blend. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil to thicken, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes. Add cream.

While sauce is simmering, brown sausage and add just before serving. Garnish dish with freshly shredded parmesan.