Red Sauce Pasta Recipe

Red sauce pasta is a delicious, vibrant, and comforting dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich tomato-based sauce infused with herbs, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a timeless classic that’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful base for a fancier meal, red sauce pasta delivers every time. From kids to adults, this Italian-inspired dish is a crowd-pleaser with customizable ingredients. Make it spicy, cheesy, or veggie-loaded—however you like it, red sauce pasta is a flavorful staple that never fails.

Ingredients Of Red Sauce Pasta Recipe

Why You Will Love This Red Sauce Pasta Recipe

This red sauce pasta is simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly flavorful. You’ll love how easy it is to make with pantry staples. The tangy tomato sauce is perfectly balanced with garlic, herbs, and just a hint of sweetness. It’s customizable—add veggies, chicken, or cheese to make it your own. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cook, this recipe is reliable, satisfying, and always hits the spot.

Preparation Process Of Red Sauce Pasta Recipe

Start by cooking your pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, sauté garlic and onions in olive oil until fragrant, then add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Season with herbs, salt, and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Simmer the sauce to develop richness, then toss in the drained pasta. Garnish with herbs or Parmesan, and serve hot.

Step By Step Instructions

Boil Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Add Tomatoes: Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.

Season Sauce: Add oregano, basil, chili flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer on low for 10–12 minutes until thickened.

Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated.

Finish & Serve: Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.

How to Serve?

• With garlic bread or toasted baguette
• Topped with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
• Alongside a fresh green salad
• As a base for baked pasta with added cheese
• Paired with grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

1. Calories: 320
2. Carbohydrates: 50g
3. Protein: 9g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Saturated Fat: 2g
6. Fiber: 4g
7. Sugar: 7g
8. Sodium: 380mg

Recipe Card

Red Sauce Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Rachael ray

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Red sauce pasta is a classic, easy-to-make meal that features a rich tomato-based sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. This recipe uses basic pantry staples like garlic, onion, canned tomatoes, and Italian herbs to create a deliciously satisfying dish in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this vibrant, flavorful pasta is always a hit. Perfect on its own or paired with proteins and veggies, it’s a flexible favorite that belongs in every home cook’s recipe book.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne or spaghetti pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

• Boil Pasta:
• Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Sauté Aromatics:
• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
• Add Tomatoes:
• Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
• Season Sauce:
• Add oregano, basil, chili flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer on low for 10–12 minutes until thickened.
• Combine Pasta:
• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
• Finish & Serve:
• Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.

Recipe Video

Notes

• You can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Red sauce freezes well for up to 2 months.
• Fresh herbs give the best flavor but dried work just fine for convenience.

FAQs

Conclusion