In the hustle of everyday life that rarely slows down, very few dishes find their way to make us pause. While each one of us has our own version of an after-work comfort dish that bridges the gap between quick-fix dinners and indulgent plates, there is something magically comforting about a plate of steaming hot spaghetti (or penne, if you please!) in red sauce, replete with bright tomatoes laced with basil, a hit of chili, and pasta that soaks up every last drop. It’s the kind of dish that slips easily into your evening, bringing with it the aroma of slow-simmered stories and the promise of a second helping.
With no further ado, we bring you this easy recipe for red sauce pasta. More than a recipe, it’s a plateful of easy escape, served hot as a visual-gastronomic-epicurean delight.
What you need:
- 8 oz (about 225g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any shape you prefer)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How to:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well until the tomato paste is fully incorporated.
- Seasoning: Add dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped basil leaves. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.