Delicious and Easy Red Sauce Pasta Recipe

Are you craving for some delicious homemade pasta tonight but don’t feel like going out to eat? Why not try making red sauce pasta at home! It’s a simple and easy recipe that everyone can follow, even if you don’t have a lot of experience cooking.

To make red sauce pasta, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry such as pasta, canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add some fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick and hearty dinner that the whole family will enjoy. So let’s get started with this step-by-step guide on how to make red sauce pasta at home.

Section 2: Ingredients You Need to Make Red Sauce Pasta

Get Ready for Your Grocery Run

Before you start cooking the red sauce pasta, you must gather all the ingredients. You wouldn’t want to halt the cooking process in between because you didn’t have certain ingredients. Here’s a list of all the ingredients you will need to make red sauce pasta:

1. Pasta – Any Shape Will Do

The first and most essential ingredient for red sauce pasta is obviously the pasta itself. You can use any type of pasta that you like, whether it is penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or macaroni. Cook it as per instructions on the packaging.

2. Italian Plum Tomatoes

Plum tomatoes are the best type of tomatoes used in red sauce due to their firm texture and sweetened flavor. You will need 8-10 Italian plum tomatoes for making red sauce pasta. You can also use canned tomatoes if plum tomatoes are not available at your disposal.

3. Diced Onion

You will need one large onion or two small onions for making red sauce pasta. Dice them carefully as they need to cook well in the sauce.

4. Garlic Cloves

You will need five to six finely chopped garlic cloves to add flavor to the pasta sauce.

5. Dried Red Chili Flakes

Red chili flakes are the spicy element in the red sauce pasta. You can add them as per your taste preference. Use one teaspoon of dried red chili flakes for a slight hint of spice but if you prefer a spicier pasta, add more as per your liking.

6. Dried Oregano

Oregano is the herb that adds an earthy and slightly bitter but pleasant flavor to the pasta sauce. You will need 1 tablespoon of dried oregano for making red sauce pasta.

7. Salt and Black Pepper

Salt is an essential ingredient that you need to add in all cooking recipes. You will need one and a half teaspoon of salt for making red sauce pasta. Black pepper is optional, but you can add 1/4th teaspoon of black pepper to enhance the flavor of the pasta.

8. Olive Oil

Olive oil is used for sautéing onions, garlic, and tomatoes in a pan. Use 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil for making red sauce pasta.

9. Fresh Basil Leaves

Red sauce pasta is incomplete without fresh basil leaves. You will need 2 tablespoons of chopped basil leaves for garnishing and adding a great flavor to the dish.

10. Water

Lastly, you will need ¼ cup of water to help the sauce cook and simmer nicely.

These are all the ingredients you will need for making a perfect red sauce pasta. Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you are good to start cooking.

Ingredients needed for Red Sauce Pasta Recipe

Red sauce pasta is one of the easiest pasta dishes to create and can be made with everyday ingredients found in your pantry. Below are the key ingredients for making the perfect red sauce pasta:

1. Pasta:

Choose a pasta that will hold the sauce and create a satisfying texture. Penne, fusilli, linguine, or spaghetti are all fantastic choices. Use about 400 grams of pasta for four servings.

2. Tomatoes:

For the red sauce, you’ll need either fresh tomatoes or canned tomato puree. Fresh tomatoes need to be peeled, seeded, and chopped, while tomato puree only requires opening the can.

3. Olive Oil:

Olive oil has a light, delicious flavor that complements the dish without overwhelming it. It is used for sautéing the veggies, adding depth to the flavor.

4. Garlic:

Garlic adds a tremendous amount of flavor to your red sauce pasta recipe. Its pungent aroma also provides a strong taste to the pasta and aids digestion.

5. Onion :

Onion is essential in the recipe for its sweet and tangy flavor. It binds the sauce together and gives the perfect aroma and taste.

6. Red Chili flakes:

Red chili flakes add an extra kick to the pasta and complement the flavors of garlic and onion. This is optional, but it gives the sauce a delicately spicy taste.

7. Basil:

Fresh basil leaves add a great aroma and flavor to the pasta. It makes the sauce more fragrant.

8. Oregano:

Oregano is a famous herb used in most Italian dishes. Its robust flavor complements the red sauce, providing it with a distinct taste.

9. Salt:

Don’t forget to season your pasta with a generous amount of salt to enhance the flavors. Taste and adjust accordingly.

10. Parmesan cheese:

Top your pasta dish with grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese adds a cheesy and savory flavor to the dish. It also helps to bind the pasta beautifully.

These are the primary ingredients required to make a red sauce pasta, and most of them can be found in your pantry. Now that we’ve known the ingredients let’s move on to step by step procedure on how to make the perfect red sauce pasta.

The Ingredients You Need

If you’re looking to make a delicious red sauce pasta dish, you’ll need to make sure you have the right ingredients. Here are the things you’ll need to get started:

Pasta

The most important ingredient when making red sauce pasta is, of course, the pasta! When choosing your pasta, you can go for any variety you prefer. Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, macaroni, fusilli, or any other shape, just make sure you cook it al dente according to the package instructions.

The Sauce

The sauce is the heart of the dish, and getting it right is essential. Start by heating up the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and diced onion, and cook until they’re soft and fragrant.

Next, add the canned crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes to the same saucepan. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until it’s thick and bubbly.

Assembling the Dish

Once you have your pasta and sauce ready, it’s time to bring the two together. Drain your cooked pasta and add it to the pan with the red sauce.

Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. You can then serve the pasta in individual bowls, topped with grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Tips and Tricks

– If you want to add some protein to your pasta dish, consider adding some grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or cooked meatballs.
– If you like your pasta with a little more spice, feel free to up the amount of red pepper flakes.
– Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning of your sauce as you go along. This will help you to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

In Conclusion

Making red sauce pasta is a simple and delicious way to enjoy an Italian classic right at home. With just a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a homemade pasta dish that will impress family and friends alike.

Chef’s Note

Thank you for joining me in the kitchen to learn how to make a delicious red sauce pasta. I hope you enjoyed the process and are now feeling confident enough to create your own signature red sauce. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and improvisation, so don’t be afraid to add your own twist to the recipe. Feel free to visit me again for more easy and exciting recipe ideas. Until then, happy cooking!