How to Make Delicious Red Sauce Pasta at Home | Easy & Quick Recipe

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Are you craving for a hearty and flavorful pasta dish? Look no further than red sauce pasta! This classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.

When it comes to comfort food, few things can beat a warm and hearty plate of red sauce pasta. But what if you’re short on time and can’t spend hours simmering a sauce on the stove? Enter the quick tomato sauce recipe – a simple and easy way to make a delicious pasta dish in no time.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about red sauce pasta, from its origins and ingredients to the best cooking tips and variations.

WHAT IS RED SAUCE PASTA?

Red sauce pasta, also known as spaghetti al pomodoro in Italian, is a simple yet satisfying pasta dish made with a tomato-based sauce. The sauce is typically made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, and a variety of herbs and spices. It’s a classic dish that has been enjoyed by Italians for generations and has now become a popular staple in many households around the world.

THE ORIGION OF RED SAUCE PASTA

The history of red sauce pasta can be traced back to the early 19th century in Italy. Before then, pasta dishes were typically served with either butter or olive oil. However, when tomatoes were introduced to Italy from the New World, they quickly became a popular ingredient in pasta dishes. Tomatoes were combined with garlic, onions, and herbs to create a simple yet delicious sauce that has stood the test of time.

TYPES OF PASTA YOU CAN USE FOR THIS RECIPE

When it comes to making delicious red sauce pasta, choosing the right type of pasta is crucial. While there are countless varieties of pasta to choose from, not all types are created equal. In this article, we’ll explore the best types of pasta to use for red sauce, so you can elevate your pasta game and impress your taste buds.

  • Spaghetti: A Classic Choice
  • Bucatini: A Heartier Option
  • Linguine: A Versatile Pick
  • Spirals (Fusilli): A Fun Twist
  • Bowties (Farfalle): A Fancy Flourish
  • Penne: A Staple Shape
  • Shells (Conchiglie): A Sea-Inspired Option
  • Orecchiette: A Little Ear-Shaped Pasta
  • Gemelli: A Twisted Pair
  • Gigli: A Floral-Shaped Pasta

In this post, we’ll show you how to make pasta in quick tomato sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a comforting bowl of pasta.

So sit back and enjoy this simple but tasty bowl of pasta with tomato sauce.

RED SAUCE PASTA RECIPE

  • Course: Main
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Prep TimeCooking TimeTotal TimeServing
10 MIn20 Min30 Min4

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups penne, macaroni, or any other shaped pasta. (I use penne)
  • 1 small onion.
  • 1 medium tomato.
  • 3 tbsp olive oil.
  • 2 tsp garlic.
  • 1 cup tomato puree.
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes.
  • Few black olives.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste.
  • 3/4 tsp oregano or mixed herbs.

PREPARATION

  1. Wash all vegetables
  2. Chop onions into small pieces.
  3. Cut the capsicum into thin strips.
  4. Cut the tomato into strips and remove the pulp.
  5. Crush garlic.

HOW TO MAKE RED SAUCE PASTA

COOKING THE PASTA

  • Take enough water in a pan to soak pasta. Add salt and a few drops of olive oil in it.
  • When the water starts to boil, add the pasta and cook it on a medium flame for 10-12 minutes. stir occasionally.
  • Drain the water from the pasta with a strainer and wash it with cold water.
  • Put the pasta in a bowl and add some drops of olive oil. Mix well.
  • Keep aside.

MAKING THE RED SAUCE

  • Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan. Add crushed garlic and onion and saute on a medium flame till the raw smell disappears.
  • Add tomato, salt, and black pepper and stir fry for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Add tomato puree, oregano, and chili flakes. Mix well and cook for 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally.

COMBINING THE SAUCE AND PASTA

  • Add boiled pasta and mix well gently.
  • Garnish with black olives and coriander leaves.
  • Serve hot with garlic bread.
Red sauce pasta
Ready to serve

Enjoy!

Also read: Delicious Sweet and Sour Vegetables

VARIATIONS OF RED SAUCE PASTA

While classic red sauce pasta is delicious on its own, there are many variations of the dish that you can try to switch things up. Here are three popular variations:

  • Spicy red sauce pasta – If you love spicy food, add a kick to your red sauce pasta by adding some crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce. You can also add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra fiery kick.
  • Creamy red sauce pasta– For a creamier and richer version of red sauce pasta, add some heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese or ricotta cheese to the sauce for added creaminess.
  • Vegetarian red sauce pasta – If you’re a vegetarian, you can make red sauce pasta without meat. Simply omit the meat from the sauce and add some vegetables instead, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.

STORING AND REHEATING RED TOMATO SAUCE PASTA

  • Store any leftover pasta with tomato sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, transfer the pasta and sauce to a skillet and heat over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

  • Adding too much salt – Remember to taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
  • Overcooking the pasta – Make sure to check the package instructions and set a timer to avoid overcooking.
  • Not crushing the tomatoes enough – Use a potato masher or your hands to break up the tomatoes into small pieces for a chunky sauce.
  • Using too much garlic or red pepper flakes – Be careful not to overpower the dish with too much of these strong flavors.

TIPS AND TRICKS

  • Use high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes, for a richer flavor.
  • Add some cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce for a heartier dish.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
  • Use fresh pasta instead of dried for an even more authentic Italian experience.

FAQ ABOUT RED SAUCE PASTA

  • Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes for the sauce? While you can use fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes are usually preferred for a quick tomato sauce because they are already peeled and crushed, making the sauce easier to make.
  • Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? Yes! You can use any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, linguine, penne, or even bowties.
  • How long will this pasta in quick tomato sauce keep in the fridge? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Can I freeze this red sauce pasta? Yes! You can freeze the pasta and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
  • Can I make this recipe spicy? If you like spicy food, you can add some red pepper flakes or chopped
Nutrition Fact
Per Serving
Calories: 517 Kcal
Carbs: 66 g
Protein: 16 g
Fat: 23 g
Fiber: 4.7 g

CONCLUSION

We hope you enjoyed learning how to make delicious red sauce pasta at home! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen skills, you can create a creamy, tomato-based sauce that is perfect for any Italian cuisine lover. Remember to customize the recipe to your liking and experiment

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