How to Make Pasta with Red Sauce
Making pasta with red sauce is a classic and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this step-by-step guide will help you create a mouthwatering pasta dish that everyone will love. So, grab your apron and let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
-
Boil the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the water and then carefully add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
-
Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
-
Add the tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, and stir until well combined with the onions and garlic. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Season the sauce: Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the red sauce. Using tongs or a pasta fork, toss the pasta until it is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute or two to reheat the pasta.
-
Serve and garnish: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- To enhance the flavor of the sauce, you can add cooked meatballs, sausages, or vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little pasta cooking water to thin it out.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta shapes to add variety to your dish.
Now that you have mastered the art of making pasta with red sauce, you can impress your family and friends with this hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy the culinary experience of creating this classic Italian dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Bon appétit!