Description
This easy red sauce pasta is rich, tangy, and ready in 30 minutes. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup penne or fusilli pasta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup tomato puree (blend 4 ripe tomatoes)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon mixed Italian herbs or oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese (Parmesan or mozzarella) (Optional Garnish)
- Fresh basil or parsley (Optional Garnish)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil with salt. Add pasta and cook on medium heat until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and rinse the pasta with cold water. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add onions and salt, cooking until golden brown.
- Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raw tomato smell disappears and the sauce thickens.
- Add chili flakes, mixed herbs, black pepper, and tomato ketchup. Stir to combine.
- Pour in reserved pasta water and simmer for 1 minute to create a silky sauce.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well until the sauce coats every piece. Cook for another minute on low heat.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top and garnish with basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream or mayonnaise at the end of cooking.
- Store any leftover sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired