### How to Make Red Sauce Pasta:
A Detailed Guide
#### Ingredients:
– **Pasta**: 250 grams (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
– **Olive Oil**: 2 tablespoons
– **Garlic**: 3 cloves, minced
**Onion**: 1 medium, finely chopped
– **Tomatoes**: 4 large, diced or 1 can of crushed tomatoes (400 grams)
– **Tomato Paste**: 2 tablespoons
– **Salt**: to taste
– **Black Pepper**: to taste
– **Dried Basil**: 1 teaspoon (or fresh basil, a handful, chopped)
– **Dried Oregano**: 1 teaspoon
– **Red Pepper Flakes**: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for a spicy kick)
– **Sugar**: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
– **Grated Parmesan Cheese**: for serving (optional)
– **Fresh Basil or Parsley**: for garnish (optional)
#### Instructions:
1. **Cook the Pasta**:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. – Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. – Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Red Sauce**:
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. – Add minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant. – Stir in the diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes) and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through. – Add salt, black pepper, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well. – Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance it out.
3. **Combine Pasta and Sauce**:
– Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. – Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
4. **Serve**:
– Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley if desired.
#### Benefits of Red Sauce Pasta.
1**Nutritional Value**:
– **Tomatoes**: Rich in vitamins A and C, tomatoes are also a great source of antioxidants, such as lycopene, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
– **Garlic**: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic may also have cardiovascular benefits.
– **Olive Oil**: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, contributing to heart health.
2. **Customizable**:
– Red sauce pasta can be adapted to include a variety of vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach) or proteins (e.g., chicken, shrimp, or tofu), making it a versatile dish.
3. **Quick and Easy**:
– This dish is relatively simple to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
4. **Affordable**:
– The ingredients are generally inexpensive and readily available, making it a budget-friendly meal option.
#### Uses and Variations
1. **Vegetarian**:
– Enjoy it as a standalone meal or with a side salad for a complete vegetarian option.
2. **Protein Additions**:
– Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or chickpeas to make it more filling and to add protein.
3. **Baked Variation**:
– Transform it into a baked pasta dish by mixing the pasta with sauce and cheese, then baking until bubbly and golden.
4. **Spicy Kick**:
– For those who enjoy spicy foods, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
5. **Creamy Version**:
– Incorporate a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese to create a creamy tomato sauce variant.Red sauce pasta is a classic dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the rich, tangy flavor of a tomato-based sauce. It’s a meal that balances nutrition with simplicity, making it a favorite in many households.