Easy Homemade Red Sauce Pasta Recipe | Red Sauce Pasta Recipe
Red sauce pasta, also known as marinara pasta, is a classic and delicious Italian dish that has gained popularity around the world. It is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that features a tangy tomato-based sauce. The vibrant red color of the sauce comes from the ripe tomatoes used as the base ingredient.
Red sauce pasta can be customized to suit individual preferences and dietary needs. Some variations may include additional ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or even meat such as ground beef or sausage. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy this dish by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives. Red Sauce Pasta can be served with almond tea .
Red sauce pasta is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish alongside a variety of accompaniments. It pairs well with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Garlic bread or a side salad can complement the meal, creating a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.
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Whether you enjoy it at home, in an Italian restaurant, or at a gathering with friends, red sauce pasta is a timeless favorite that continues to delight pasta lovers around the world with its simplicity, vibrant flavors, and comforting appeal. The various pasta recipes have become very famous in the world. Some of them are Crispy Pasta & Cheesy Pasta Sticks.
About Red Sauce Pasta
Red sauce pasta, also known as marinara pasta, is a classic Italian dish that features pasta served with a tomato-based sauce. The sauce gets its vibrant red color from ripe tomatoes used as the primary ingredient. Red sauce pasta is loved for its simplicity, versatility, and delicious flavors.
The preparation of red sauce pasta typically involves cooking the pasta of your choice, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine, until it is al dente (cooked to be firm to the bite). Meanwhile, the red sauce is prepared by sautéing minced garlic and diced onions in olive oil until they become fragrant and translucent.
Then, ripe tomatoes or tomato puree are added to the mixture, along with herbs like basil, oregano, and sometimes thyme or rosemary. The sauce is simmered until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is ready, they are combined and tossed together, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce. The result is a mouthwatering dish that offers a perfect balance of tanginess from the tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and the satisfying texture of al dente pasta.
Red Sauce pasta is as easy as White Sauce Pasta and they both are very much similar in some categories.
Overall, red sauce pasta is a beloved dish that continues to be enjoyed by pasta lovers around the world. Its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and comforting appeal make it a go-to choice for a satisfying and delicious meal.
How to make Red Sauce Pasta
- Wash the 5-6 tomatoes well and cut them in quarters, further transfer them in a grinding jar and blend the tomatoes into a puree, I’ve kept it little coarse, if you wish you can blend into a fine puree.
- Set a sauce pan on low heat, add 2 tablespoons oil and 5-6 cloves sliced garlic, cook until the garlic starts to get some colour.
- Add 1 medium sized chopped onion and cook on medium flame until its translucent.
- Now lower the flame and add, 1 tablespoon kashmiri red chilli powder and cook on low flame for a short 10-15 seconds.
- Now add the tomato puree, salt to taste and 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup, stir and cook on medium high flame, for 1-2 minutes, further cover and cook for 10 minutes on medium flame.
- Now, add 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes and a pinch of black pepper powder, stir and cook for a minute.
- Now cover the prepared mixture for 5 minutes with lid. Homemade red sauce is ready, keep it aside and use it later when making pasta live for your family.
- For making pasta, simply just add the cooked pasta and stir gently, add some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat.
- Your Red Sauce Pasta is ready to serve you can add some processed cheese if you wish to. Make sure that serve it immediately hot.
Serving Suggestions
Plate presentation: Transfer the cooked red sauce pasta onto individual serving plates or a large serving dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped basil leaves or parsley over the pasta. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side, allowing guests to sprinkle it over their pasta according to their preference.
Drizzle of olive oil: Provide a small pitcher or bottle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for guests to drizzle over their pasta. This adds a luxurious touch and enhances the flavors.
Accompaniments: Serve the red sauce pasta with a side of garlic bread or toasted crusty bread. It’s perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.
Side salad: Offer a refreshing side salad, such as a mixed green salad or a Caprese salad (sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil) to complement the pasta.
Beverage pairing: Pair the red sauce pasta with a glass of red wine like a Chianti or a Sangiovese. Alternatively, serve with a sparkling water infused with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.
Dessert finale: For a sweet ending to the meal, consider serving a light dessert like fresh fruit or a classic Italian tiramisu.
Expert Tips
Use ripe and flavorful tomatoes: The quality of tomatoes greatly impacts the taste of the sauce. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available or not in season, opt for good-quality canned tomato puree or crushed tomatoes.
Sauté the garlic and onions properly: Take care not to burn the garlic while sautéing. Cook them until they turn golden and release their aroma, which will enhance the overall flavor of the sauce.
Add a splash of wine: For an extra layer of flavor, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of red or white wine after sautéing the garlic and onions. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two before adding the tomatoes. The alcohol will evaporate during cooking, leaving behind a rich taste.
Simmer for optimal flavor: Allowing the sauce to simmer on low heat for a longer duration helps the flavors develop and intensify. This step is crucial to achieving a well-rounded and flavorful red sauce.
Season thoughtfully: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Be mindful of the salt, as the sauce will reduce and concentrate flavors as it cooks. Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to ensure a well-balanced sauce.
Cook the pasta al dente: Cooking the pasta until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite, gives it a pleasant texture and prevents it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. Follow the instructions on the pasta package, but check for doneness a minute or two before the recommended cooking time.
Toss pasta with sauce before serving: To ensure that each strand of pasta is coated evenly, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet or a large bowl. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and ensures a flavorful bite every time.
Garnish and serve promptly: Before serving, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves over the pasta for added flavor and presentation. Serve the red sauce pasta immediately while it is still hot.
Pro Tip
If you desired to make pink sauce pasta then just add fresh cream in red sauce pasta & your favorite Pink Sauce Pasta will get ready.
FAQs
Q. What type of pasta is best for red sauce pasta?
A. Popular choices for red sauce pasta include spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, and linguine. However, you can use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand.
Q. Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of fresh tomatoes?
A. Yes, you can use canned tomato sauce or tomato puree as a substitute for fresh tomatoes. It will still provide a rich tomato flavor to the sauce.
Q. How can I make my red sauce pasta spicy?
A. To add spice to your red sauce pasta, you can include red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili peppers while sautéing the garlic and onions. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.
Q. Can I make red sauce pasta in advance?
A. Red sauce pasta is best enjoyed freshly made. However, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it for a day or two. Cook the pasta right before serving and combine it with the reheated sauce.
Q. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
A. Make sure to cook the pasta in plenty of salted boiling water and stir it occasionally while cooking. Once cooked, drain the pasta immediately and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Q. Can I freeze red sauce pasta?
A. While it’s not recommended to freeze cooked pasta, you can freeze the red sauce separately. Portion the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze. Thaw and reheat the sauce when needed, then cook fresh pasta to combine with the sauce.
Q. Can I add meat or vegetables to red sauce pasta?
A. Yes, you can add cooked ground meat (such as beef or sausage) or sautéed vegetables (like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini) to the sauce for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to cook them separately before adding to the sauce.
Q. What are some common toppings or garnishes for red sauce pasta?
A. Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of dried herbs are common toppings or garnishes for red sauce pasta. Feel free to customize with your preferred additions.
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Red Pasta Recipe Card
Equipments
Ingredients
For Boiling Pasta
- 200 gram Penne Pasta
- Water for Boiling
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of Black Pepper powder
- 1 tablespoon Oil
For Red Sauce Pasta
- 6-7 medium sized Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- 5-6 cloves Garlic (sliced)
- 1 medium sized Onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri Red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoon Tomato Ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- Boiled/cooked Pasta as required
- Pasta water as required
- 50 gram Processed Cheese
Instructions
- Wash the 6-7 tomatoes well and cut them in quarters, further transfer them in a grinding jar and blend the tomatoes into a puree, I've kept it little coarse, if you wish you can blend into a fine puree.2. Set a sauce pan on low heat, add 2 tablespoon oil and 5-6cloves sliced garlic, cook until the garlic starts to get some colour.3. Add 1 medium sized chopped onion and cook on medium flame until its translucent.4. Now lower the flame and add 1 tablespoon kashmiri red chilli powder and cook on low flame for a short 10-15 seconds.5. Now add the tomato puree, salt to taste and 2 tablespoon tomato ketchup, stir and cook on medium high flame, for 1-2 minutes, further cover and cook for 10 minutes on medium flame.6. Now, add 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon red chilli flakes and a pinch of black pepper powder, stir and cook for a minute.7. Now cover the prepared mixture for 5 minutes with lid. Homemade red sauce is ready, keep it aside and use it later when making pasta live for your family.8. For making pasta, simply just add the cooked pasta and stir gently, add some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat.Your Red Sauce Pasta is ready to serve.
Video
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. Ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and aromatic herbs will enhance the flavor of your sauce.
- If your tomato sauce tastes too acidic, you can balance it out by adding a pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar. Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your liking.
- Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should still have a slight firmness when bitten. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture.
