Delicious Red Sauce Pasta Recipe

Red sauce pasta, also known as Arrabbiata pasta or Marinara pasta, is a beloved dish in Italian cuisine. Its rich, flavorful tomato sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta creat

"Pasta: the art of combining flour, water, and passion into a delicious masterpiece."

es a harmonious balance that delights the taste buds. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a hearty meal or a side dish and is a favorite for both casual dinners and special occasions. Our recipe will guide you through creating a delicious red sauce pasta that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients for Red Sauce Pasta

For the Sauce:

• 4 large ripe tomatoes (or a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 bay leaf

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

For the Pasta:

• 400 grams pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your preferred type)

• Salt for boiling water

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Red Sauce Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the onions and mince the garlic cloves.

2. Blanch and peel tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, make an 'X' on the bottom of each tomato, blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to ice water. After removing the skins, crush them.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil.

2. Cook pasta: Add the pasta and cook to all cooked, following the directions on the package. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Red Sauce

1. Sauté onions and garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the onions are transparent, add them and simmer. Add the garlic that has been chopped and cook one more minute.

2. Add tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or blanched fresh tomatoes) and stir well.

3. Season the sauce: Add red chili flakes, sugar, salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer: Turn down the heat to a gentle simmer and stir occasionally for 20 to 30 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Make sure the pasta has an even coat of sauce by giving it a good toss.

2. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the pasta: Serve the red sauce pasta on individual plates or a large serving platter.

2. Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

3. Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for the Best Red Sauce Pasta

• Choose ripe tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, ensure they are ripe for a sweeter, richer sauce.

• Use quality olive oil: High-quality olive oil enhances the flavor of the sauce.

• Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps to thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta.

• Simmer low and slow: Letting the sauce simmer slowly develops deeper flavors.

Variations of Red Sauce Pasta

Vegetable Red Sauce Pasta

• Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

Meaty Red Sauce Pasta

• Incorporate ground beef, sausage, or chicken to make a hearty meat sauce.

Seafood Red Sauce Pasta

• Add shrimp, clams, or mussels for a delightful seafood twist.

Conclusion

Making the perfect red sauce pasta is an art that combines simple ingredients with precise techniques to create a dish that is both comforting and impressive. By following our detailed recipe, you can enjoy a plate of delicious red sauce pasta that rivals any Italian restaurant.