You’re about to explore the intricacies of crafting the perfect red sauce pasta, a dish that’s as satisfying as it is versatile.
With your kitchen tools at the ready, you’ll create a sauce that balances the acidity of tomatoes with the sweetness of sautéed onions and garlic.
This culinary endeavor promises to elevate your meal game, whether you’re enhancing it with grilled vegetables or pairing it with a fresh salad.
Ready to plunge into the details?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Cook & Prep Time
Here’s an efficient timeline for preparing and cooking Red Sauce Pasta, considering all steps, including reading the recipe:
Timeline for Red Sauce Pasta Preparation and Cooking
- Reading Time: 5 minutes
- Review the entire recipe to understand the sequence of steps and gather all required ingredients and equipment.
- Total Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 0:00 – 2:00: Gather all ingredients and equipment.
- 2:00 – 8:00: Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- 8:00 – 10:00: Measure out the olive oil, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 10:00 – 12:00: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- 12:00 – 22:00: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- 22:00 – 24:00: Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
- 24:00 – 25:00: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 25:00 – 28:00: Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
- 28:00 – 29:00: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 29:00 – 31:00: Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
- 31:00 – 32:00: Mix in sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- 32:00 – 42:00: Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 42:00 – 44:00: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- 44:00 – 49:00: Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes.
- Serving Time: 5 minutes
- 49:00 – 54:00: Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Total Time: Approximately 54 minutes, including reading, preparation, cooking, resting, and serving. Adjustments can be made based on personal speed and efficiency.
Recipe Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
Mix in sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Serving Tips
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the pasta and is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a revitalizing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Grilled Vegetables: Assorted grilled vegetables bring a smoky flavor that pairs well with the tomato-based sauce.
- Roasted Chicken: Adding some roasted chicken pieces can make the meal more filling and protein-rich.
- Red Wine: A glass of red wine enhances the flavors of the tomato sauce and adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
Storage
To store leftover red sauce pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through before serving.
Freezing
To freeze red sauce pasta, allow it to cool completely.
Then, transfer it to an airtight container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating red sauce pasta, use a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness.
Stir occasionally until heated through for ideal flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Red sauce pasta is a classic Italian dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
With its rich tomato flavors and aromatic herbs, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Whether you choose penne, spaghetti, or another type of pasta, this dish offers a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients, such as red wine or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavor profile.
Remember to adjust the seasoning to your taste after simmering, as the flavors will continue to develop.
Serve it hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a delightful finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
You can definitely use gluten-free pasta. Simply follow package instructions for cooking time, as it may differ from regular pasta. Make certain you don’t overcook it to maintain texture. Adjust seasoning after tossing to suit your taste.
What Wine Pairs Well With Red Sauce Pasta?
You’re wondering about wine pairing. Opt for a medium-bodied red like Chianti, which complements the acidity and herbs in the dish. Its balanced tannins won’t overpower, enhancing the tomato sauce’s richness and the pasta’s texture beautifully.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make it vegan, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Ascertain pasta’s egg-free. For a vegetarian version, just omit meat additions, if any. Both maintain flavor while adhering to dietary preferences. Always check ingredient labels for hidden animal products.
What Side Dishes Complement Red Sauce Pasta?
You should pair it with a crisp Caesar salad for balance, or serve garlic bread for added texture. Consider roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the meal’s complexity, or a tangy caprese salad.
Can I Add Protein Like Chicken or Shrimp to the Pasta?
You can certainly add protein like chicken or shrimp. Sauté diced chicken or shrimp separately until fully cooked. Then, incorporate it into your sauce during the last few minutes of simmering for a well-integrated, flavorful dish.
Red Sauce Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta penne, spaghetti, or your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 400 grams crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
- Mix in sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
