Don’t reinvent the wheel — or the meal — every night. Instead, take a little time on Sunday to prepare a building-block ingredient such as marinara sauce, which will give you a lot of options throughout the week. To save even more time in the future, double or triple these recipes, then freeze them in serving portions so they’ll defrost quickly and be on your plate in no time.

Chunky Marinara Sauce

Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Makes about 2 1/2 cups (6 servings)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano or 2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the basil, oregano, tomatoes with their juices, salt, and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 18 to 20 minutes. Stir in the parsley just before serving.

Mediterranean Pizza

Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Makes 4 servings

4 pitas
2 cups Chunky Marinara Sauce (see recipe, above)
1 6-ounce jar artichokes, drained and roughly chopped
4 ounces Feta
1/2 cup (4 ounces) pitted black olives, roughly chopped
1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil

Heat oven to 400° F.

Place the pitas on baking sheets and spread 1/2 cup of the sauce over each one. Top with the artichokes, Feta, olives, and basil. Bake until the pitas are crisp, about 15 minutes.

Tomato and White Bean Soup

Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Makes 4 servings

2 cups Chunky Marinara Sauce (see recipe, above)
1 15.5-ounce can white beans, drained
1 cup vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
Toasted bread (optional)

In a blender, combine the Chunky Marinara Sauce, beans, and broth. Blend until smooth, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a pot and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Spoon into bowls, sprinkle with the pepper and basil, and serve with the bread (if using).