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Red Sauce Pasta

Serves 4
30 mins
350 Kcal
An Italian dish, pasta al pomodouro, is the epitome of popular dishes that embody the core of Italian cuisine. The red sauce pasta recipe is delicious. This simple yet flavourful dish calls for perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich tomato-based sauce mixed with garlic, onions, and other herbs like basil and oregano and ends up in a very comforting meal that is satisfying and versatile enough to attract a lover of pasta at whatever age. The recipe for red sauce pasta is easy. What makes a red sauce pasta is the sauce. Fresh or canned, the tomatoes cook with saut ed onions and garlic to a luscious thickness so the flavours blend nicely into a savoury sauce that combines the elements of tanginess and sweetness. This is the tastiest dish of all when accompanied by a sprig of olive oil and drenched with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Red sauce pasta may be served in a variety of styles: spaghetti, penne, and fusilli are just a few. The kind of pasta defines the feel and experience it will carry. The pasta is cooked al dente; thus, when cooked, it should leave some bite to enable full absorption of flavours from the sauce. Subsequently, the pasta is then tossed with the sauce for full absorption of flavours. It is a very versatile dish because it can be highly adapted into unlimited variations. One can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition. Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even meatballs might make it a bit fuller. Pulled together with a tangle of grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves, red sauce pasta is indeed, you know, the feast of the senses and a feast for the eyes. Whether it's a rushed dinner on a weeknight or a special event with family and friends, this recipe of red sauce pasta is an incredibly comforting dish to share, warming and delightful, truly a celebration of home-cooked Italian cuisine.

Ingredients required for Red Sauce Pasta

  1. 200 gms pasta
  2. 1/2 kg tomato
  3. Fresh coriander
  4. Cheese-cream cheese grated cheese
  5. Salt
  6. Basil leaves
  7. 1 onion
  8. Chilli flakes
  9. Garlic
  10. 1 tsp oregano
  11. 2 tbsp olive oil

Cooking steps for Red Sauce Pasta

  1. 1
    Begin with 200 gms of pasta. Penne or fusilli works better because it is a suitable shape for the sauce to stick. Besides, those types of pasta are great because they can easily work with any type of sauce.
  2. 2
    Fill a large pot with approximately 4-5 litres of water so the pasta has space to cook. Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt. This step is important because the flavouring of the pasta itself is enhanced. Water should taste slightly salty, like the sea.
  3. 3
    Bring the pot to a high heat and cover to hasten the boil.
  4. 4
    Put in the pasta when the water is at a rolling boil. Stir gently so the pasta does not stick.
  5. 5
    Boil according to package directions, which is usually between 8-12 minutes. This is al dente: it has an element of firmness to the bite but is cooked through. Taste the pasta a minute or two before the package's recommended cooking time.
  6. 6
    Cook until pasta is al dente.
  7. 7
    Turn off the heat and slowly drain in a colander when pasta is al dente. Never rinse pasta because it would wash away the starch that helps the sauce cling to pasta. Reserve a bit of pasta water for when you are making a sauce in the next step.
  8. 8
    Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large pan or skillet. This way, the veggies are saut ed and cooked pretty uniformly.
  9. 9
    Add one finely chopped onion in the pan. Saut the onion for about 3-5 minutes or until it is transparent. What you want is just to soften the onion and not to brown it. Then add 2-3 minced garlic, saut ing another minute over the pan while stirring constantly to prevent burning. Onions with garlic can serve as a appetizing combination for your sauce's foundation.
  10. 10
    Add the 500 gms of finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Of course, it is better to use fresh tomatoes, but canned tomatoes will work, too, if that's what you have. Stir everything together now.
  11. 11
    Elevate the flavour profile with 1 teaspoon of red chilli flakes for heat, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and salt to taste. Herbs will impart aromatic flavour to the sauce, which complements tomatoes so well. Stir well to distribute seasonings.
  12. 12
    Let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. During that time, the tomatoes will break up and release their juices, which will thicken the sauce with a good texture that's slightly chunky. If the sauce gets too thick, then a bit of the pasta's reserved water can be added to get it to the desired consistency.
  13. 13
    On finishing, the sauce is poured into the pan when it has thickened, and the flavours have been pretty well incorporated. Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan. Using tongs or a pasta fork, gently toss the pasta with the sauce so every piece of it gets completely coated.
  14. 14
    So, cook the pasta for the remaining 2 to 3 minutes in the sauce mixture over low heat. Allow it to absorb just a little of the sauce. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking, and coat the pasta evenly.
  15. 15
    Serve after several minutes; taste the pasta. If this is not seasoned to your taste, you could add salt or herbs. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water.
  16. 16
    A finishing touch is to season with fresh coriander or parsley on top; it adds a splash of colour and freshness. If you can't live without cheese, sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top just before you serve; this will add flavour.
  17. 17
    Serve the red sauce pasta hot in bowls or on plates, and have cheese and herbs on the side at the table for those who want to make their servings that much richer.

Shop Ingredients

Onion (1)
86
1
182
1
30
1
41
1
141
1
68
1
105
1
193
1
101
1
101
1
Pasta (200 gms)
82
1
175
1
79
1
227
1
56
1
82
1
96
1
190
1
342
1
227
1
Basil Leaves
17
1
Oregano (1 Tsp)
95
1
205
1
118
1
90
1
182
1
196
1
80
1
74
1
93
1
101
1
Salt
27
1
21
1
98
1
22
1
50
1
107
1
57
1
105
1
47
1
67
1
Chilli Flakes
87
1
81
1
54
1
79
1
153
1
42
1
Tomato (1/2 kg)
26
1
21
1
29
1
43
1
15
1
41
1
Garlic
113
1
98
1
135
1
126
1
197
1
132
1
167
1
137
1
131
1
Fresh Coriander
22
1
22
1
53
1
24
1
94
1
170
1
47
1
36
1
Grated Cheese (cheese-cream cheese)
125
1
99
1
109
1
528
1
300
1
180
1
196
1
238
1
550
1
187
1
Olive Oil (2 Tbsp)
388
1
558
1
2699
1
221
1
579
1
589
1
1797
1
459
1
1627
1
1644
1

FAQs

What is red sauce pasta, and what is so special about it?

Red sauce pasta is the Italian favourite recipe. It is a bit different from just pasta as it is served with large liberal amounts of rich tomato sauce. The sauce is composed of fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes, to which garlic, onions, and a mix of herbs like basil and oregano are added. What makes red sauce pasta special is its simplicity; one can add vegetables, proteins, or any other type of pasta, and for this reason, people love it so much.

How do you make red sauce pasta taste better?

Roast the garlic and onions as they start to perfume to heighten the flavour of red sauce pasta. Better-quality tomatoes and fresh herbs will make all the difference in the taste, while a splash of red wine will add depth and a little sugar balances acidity. Crushed red pepper for heat and Parmesan cheese will add richness, for example.

How long can I store red sauce pasta before serving?

Yes! You can even make ahead red sauce pasta! The pasta and sauce can be pre-cooked and refrigerated in an airtight container for three days at max. Just assemble them right before serving to get the best texture. Adding a little reserved pasta water or olive oil while warming prevents the sauce from becoming too thick and sticking to the pasta, thereby giving you a tasty homemade meal even on busy days.