Red sauce pasta is a delicious pasta dish made with tomatoes, garlic, dried herbs and seasoning. Making Italian style red sauce is easy and quick for weeknight dinners just like my white sauce pasta . You can use fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes or even tomato paste to make a simple red sauce. In this blog post, I have shared a basic red sauce recipe and made few variations like creamy red sauce pasta, cheesy red sauce pasta and baked pasta. Make sure you serve red sauce pasta with garlic bread, roast chicken and caesar salad for a filling meal. Learn how to make delicious red sauce pasta with step by step pictures and video.
Red Sauce Pasta
This is one dish which I make quite often, at least once a week. Like all pasta, you can make red sauce pasta under 30 minutes which makes it a family favorite meal on busy days. This is my kids favourite pasta dish along with my Italian pasta, white sauce pasta and alfredo pasta.
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This is a great dish to put in your kids lunch box because it keeps really well. Along with a fruit and veggies, it makes a complete meal.
What is Red Sauce?
Red sauce pasta is a simple tomato based sauce tossed over cooked pasta. It is also known as marinara pasta or tomato pasta. A simple tomato sauce aka red sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, dried herbs and seasonings. It is a basic classic dish served all over Italy and Italian restaurants.
Originally red sauce pasta is a vegetarian pasta dish made only with classic tomato sauce and cooked pasta. But when Italians migrated to America, they started incorporating ingredients which were available locally like meats and dairy products. Hence spaghetti with meatball, chicken alfredo, mac and cheese where born.
About Red Sauce Pasta
Red sauce is also known as simple Italian tomato sauce. Mastering the art of making red sauce is very easy and simple. You have to use the freshest and finest ingredients possible. First heat up some good quality olive oil, saute garlic till fragrant. Now add in tomato paste, this needs few minutes of stir frying in the sauce. Once the tomato paste is fried in the oil, add in freshly made tomato puree, cook on medium heat for longer period of time till reduced and thickened. Finish red sauce with seasonings and dried herbs.
Homemade red sauce can be cooled, stored in glass jars in fridge upto a month. This sauce can be used to make pasta and pizzas. Check my homemade whole wheat pizza and chicken pizza for ideas. Once you have this sauce handy, then dinner is a breeze. Customise pasta by adding cooked prawns, chicken, sautéed veggies, broccoli to the sauce for making a filling nutritious meal.
More over, I have shared few variations of using this red sauce while making pasta. Creamy red sauce pasta which has addition of cream, parmesan to create a silky smooth mouth feel. If you are a cheese lover, then check my cheesy pasta which can be served as it is or baked till bubbly and golden.
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Watch Red Sauce Pasta Recipe Video
Red Sauce Pasta Ingredients
Pasta - I used penne in this recipe which is popularly used pasta. But you can use macaroni, fusilli and spaghetti. It is best to use pasta with tube shape or ridges. So the sauce clings to the pasta better.
Tomatoes - I used fresh tomatoes for making the sauce. There is nothing that can beat fresh tomato puree. If you cannot find fresh tomatoes, you can use canned or tinned tomatoes. In that case, opt for canned whole tomatoes rather than crushed tomatoes. Whole canned tomatoes has better flavour than crushed tomatoes or tomato puree.
Tomato paste - I used tomato paste in this recipe to provide rich tomato flavour in the sauce. You can use homemade tomato paste or canned.
Garlic - the amount of garlic used in this recipe totally depends to your taste. Add more or less according to your preference.
Olive Oil - good quality olive oil is the key for red sauce.
Dried Herbs - I used a combination of dried basil and dried oregano. You can use fresh basil if you can find it.
Seasonings - salt, sugar, pepper and red chilli flakes are the only seasoning used in this recipe.
Optional - You can use finely chopped onions in the red sauce which makes it delicious.
Which Pasta to Use?
For making red sauce pasta, you can use any type of pasta including macaroni, spaghetti, penne, fusilli or linguine. I prefer using macaroni or penne as it is a type of dry pasta that is shaped like narrow tubes. So the sauce penetrates into the tubes and clings to the pasta. Always look for pasta made from durum wheat, cut in short lengths for better taste.
Macaroni, penne goes well with almost any sauce, baked recipes, soups, salads, or stir-fry dishes. Elbow macaroni is commonly used in macaroni and cheese dishes, but it is also a popular ingredient in pasta salads.
For healthier option, you can opt for whole wheat pasta, always choose artisanal variety of pasta for better taste and texture.
Whichever pasta you use, It is important to cook the pasta until “al dente”. It means “have a bite to it”. Literally translated as 'to the tooth', al dente is an Italian term used to describe the consistency of pasta when cooked.
The pasta should be cooked to the required amount of time so it doesn’t get mushy or clumpy. Always check the package directions for pasta cooking time. Cooked al dente pasta is tossed in sauce and finished cooking in the sauce.
How to make red sauce for pasta better?
Choosing Tomatoes - Tomatoes is frequently described as sweet, tart, tangy, or well- balanced. Some tomatoes are described as having a mild or bland flavour. If you are India, choose tomatoes that are naturally sweet like Bangalore variety, ruby tomatoes, plum tomatoes or cherry tomatoes.
Low & Slow - Always cook red sauce slow and low for a longer period of time which intensify the tomato flavour. Make sure you use tomato paste in the sauce which enhance the tomato flavour and provides the creamy consistency.
Pasta Cooking Water (Starch Water) - Whenever you make pasta dishes, reserve some of the pasta cooking liquid before draining the pasta. Never skip pasta cooking water, as it emulsify the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta. It is a Italian Technique.
Add Ons - Cooked vegetables like sweetcorn, peas, carrots, green beans, broccoli can be added in the sauce. Similarly you can use cooked chicken and prawns in the pasta.
Taste as you Go - Taste test and balance it with salt, sugar, herbs and chilli flakes.
Red Sauce Uses & Variations
Homemade red sauce is the base for many pasta dishes. You can add variety of ingredients into it and customise it to you preference and taste. Here I am sharing few suggestions and variations.
Creamy Red Sauce Pasta - Creamy red sauce pasta which has addition of cream, parmesan to create a silky smooth mouth feel.
Cheesy Red Sauce Pasta - to homemade red sauce, add cream cheese and grated mozzarella to create a cheesy pasta which will be popular among kids.
Baked Red Sauce Pasta - for baked pasta, simply pour red sauce pasta in a baking dish, sprinkle top generously with mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly.
Chicken Pasta - If you want to use chicken in this pasta, simply add cooked cubed chicken into the red sauce and simmer for few minutes for the flavours to mingle before tossing in cooked pasta.
Arabiatta red sauce - this is a popular pasta recipe which has a spicy kick to it. Add extra red chillies and chilli flakes into the sauce to give the kick.
Prawn Red Sauce Pasta - saute lots of chopped garlic in butter and add in prawns. Season with spices or herbs of choice. Once prawns are cooked, pour some red sauce and simmer for 2 minutes. Finally add in the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
How to Make Red Sauce Pasta (Stepwise Pictures)
Homemade Tomato Puree
1)For making tomato puree to use in red sauce. Use tomatoes that has a natural sweet taste to it. Take tomatoes and chop them into pieces, add them to a blender and make it into a fine puree. Don’t add water when grinding. Set aside till use.
Making Red Sauce
2)In a heavy bottom pan with a lid. Add in olive oil and turn on the heat. Use good quality olive oil for better flavour. You can even use butter.
3)Add in chopped garlic and let them heat through for 1 minute till garlic gets fragrant.
4)Now add in tomato paste to the garlic oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes till it gets caramelised and raw smell leaves from it.
5)Now you can see oil separating form the mixture and the tomato paste has fried in the oil.
Adding Tomato Puree.
6)Now pour in the freshly made tomato puree. If you cannot find fresh tomatoes, you can use canned or tinned tomatoes. In that case, opt for canned whole tomatoes rather than crushed tomatoes. Whole canned tomatoes has better flavour than crushed tomatoes or tomato puree.
7)Pour in the freshly made tomato puree and mix well into the garlic and oil.
8)Once it is mixed well, cover with a lid and cook on medium high heat for 8 to 10 minutes. The raw smell from the tomatoes should be cooked.
9)After few minutes of cooking, open the lid, give a good mix.
Seasoning Red Sauce
10)Season the red sauce with salt and sugar to taste. Taste and adjust salt and sugar as needed. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 more minutes.
Pro Tip: If you are using canned tomatoes, you might need to add more sugar. So taste and adjust accordingly.
11)Sprinkle with dried herbs oregano, basil and red chilli flakes. Mix well.
12)Add in freshly ground black pepper powder.
13)Add in red chilli flakes. Mix this well and cook for 1 minute. Then switch off the heat.
14)Take it off the heat and allow them to cool completely before pouring into glass jars. You can store this in fridge upto a week or more.
Cooking Pasta
15)I make the sauce in advance, typically a day in advance or in bulk. Store the sauce in fridge for more than a week.
At the time of serving, cook your pasta fresh. For cooking pasta, you need dried pasta, water and salt.
16)Now cook your pasta. Bring lots of water to a full boil, add salt to taste.
17)Add in dry pasta into the boiling water and cook as per package directions.
18)Once pasta is cooked, before draining the pasta, remove some pasta cooking liquid for later use.
19)Now drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Making Red Sauce Pasta
20)For making red sauce pasta, simple add cooked pasta into the red sauce.
21)Pour the pasta cooking liquid to thin out the sauce and emulsify it. This step is very important, it helps with the creamy texture.
22)Toss pasta with the sauce till it is coated. Red sauce pasta is ready to serve. Enjoy immediately. You can sprinkle some cheese on top if needed.
Creamy Red Sauce Pasta
Creamy red sauce pasta which has addition of cream, parmesan to create a silky smooth mouth feel.
1)Use around 2 cups of the prepared red sauce for the measurement. Take the sauce in a saute pan or frying pan.
2)To make the sauce creamy. Add in some fresh cream.
3)Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the sauce.
4)Now mix this together and heat it through. Cook till cheese is melted and sauce looks creamy.
5)Once it is heated through, toss in cooked pasta and stir to combine.
6)Creamy red sauce pasta is ready to serve.
Cheesy Red Sauce Pasta (Baked & No Bake)
To homemade red sauce, add cream cheese and grated mozzarella to create a cheesy pasta which will be popular among kids. For baked pasta, simply pour red sauce pasta in a baking dish, sprinkle top generously with mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly.
1)Use around 2 cups of the prepared red sauce for the measurement. First for flavour, Heat butter in a pan.
2)Add in the pasta sauce and heat it gently.
3)Add in cream cheese. This is optional, you can skip this if you don't have cream cheese.
4)Add in mozzarella cheese. You can use any cheese as you prefer, including cheddar cheese.
5)Once it is heated and the cheese is melted. Toss in cooked pasta.
6)Add pasta cooking liquid if needed. mix well and serve as it is. But if you prefer to bake, you can proceed below.
7)For baking, transfer the pasta to a baking dish.
8)Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
9)Place it inside a 200 degree C preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Expert Tips
- If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned or tinned tomatoes. You might need to add 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes. In that case, opt for canned whole tomatoes rather than crushed tomatoes. Whole canned tomatoes has better flavour than crushed tomatoes or tomato puree.
- You can add less garlic if you prefer milder garlic taste. Also you can add more chilli flakes if you like it spicy.
- Chopped onions or shallots can be added in the sauce for flavour.
- You can add cheese when you add cooked pasta into the red sauce for cheesy pasta.
- Use sweet variety of tomatoes for better taste in pasta.
- Never skip pasta cooking water, as it emulsify the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta.
- Cooked vegetables like sweetcorn, peas, carrots, green beans, broccoli can be added in the sauce. Similarly you can use cooked chicken and prawns in the pasta.
Storage & Serving
Prepared red sauce can be stored in fridge upto a week or more. You can simple boil noodles or pasta and toss with the sauce and serve. You can even use this sauce to make pizza.
FAQ
What is red sauce pasta called?
Red sauce pasta is a simple tomato based sauce tossed over cooked pasta. It is also known as marinara pasta or tomato pasta. A simple tomato sauce aka red sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, dried herbs and seasonings. It is a basic classic dish served all over Italy and Italian restaurants.
Is there a difference between red sauce and marinara?
Both are similar in taste and look. The texture is what makes it distinctive. Marinara is brighter, little thin in texture. Red sauce is thicker, creamier and more fuller.
How to make red sauce for pasta better?
Always cook red sauce slow and low for a longer period of time which intensify the tomato flavour. Make sure you use tomato paste in the sauce which enhance the tomato flavour and provides the creamy consistency. Taste test and balance it with salt, sugar, herbs and chilli flakes.
When was tomato sauce added to pasta?
The use of tomato sauce with pasta was first documented in the Italian cookbook L'Apicio moderno by Roman chef Francesco Leonardi in 1790.
Did Italians have tomato sauce?
Tomato sauce is mentioned for the first time in the Italian cookbook Lo Scalco alla Moderna (The Modern Steward), written in 1692 by Italian chef Antonio Latini. Meanwhile, a recipe for pasta with tomato sauce appears in chef Francesco Leonardi's 1790 cookbook, L'Apicio Moderno.
More Pasta Recipes to try
📖 Recipe Card
Red Sauce Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Cooking pot
- Blender
Ingredients
Red Sauce for Pasta
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 10 cloves Garlic chopped finely
- 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 500 grams Tomatoes
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 2 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Flakes
For Cooking Pasta
- 2½ cups Dried Pasta 250 grams
- 2 tsp Salt
- 6 cups Water
For Creamy Red Sauce Pasta
- ¼ cup Cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
For Cheesy Baked Red Sauce Pasta
- 1 tsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
Homemade Red Sauce
- For making red sauce pasta. You have to start by chopped garlic very finely, remove them to a bowl and set aside. For making tomato puree, take tomatoes and chop them into pieces, add them to a blender and make it into a fine puree. Don’t add water when grinding. Set aside till use.
- In a heavy bottom pan with a lid. Add in olive oil and turn on the heat. Add in chopped garlic and let them heat through for 1 minute till garlic gets fragrant. Now add in tomato paste to the garlic oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes till it gets caramelised and raw smell leaves from it.
- Pour in the freshly made tomato puree and mix well into the garlic and oil. Once it is mixed well, cover with a lid and cook on medium high heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Now open the lid, give a good mix. Season the red sauce with salt and sugar to taste. Taste and adjust salt and sugar as needed. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 more minutes.
- Sprinkle with dried herbs oregano, basil, pepper and red chilli flakes. Mix well. Take it off the heat and allow them to cool completely before pouring into glass jars. You can store this in fridge upto a week or more.
- Now cook your pasta. Bring lots of water to a full boil, add salt to taste. Add in dry pasta into the boiling water and cook as per package directions. Once pasta is cooked, before draining the pasta, remove some pasta cooking liquid for later use. Now drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- For making red sauce pasta, simple add cooked pasta into the red sauce along with pasta cooking water and toss well. Red sauce pasta is ready to serve.
For Creamy Red Sauce Pasta
- Use around 2 cups of the prepared red sauce for the measurement. Take pasta sauce in a pan, add in cream and parmesan cheese. Mix well. Once it is heated through, toss in cooked pasta and stir to combine. Serve hot.
For Cheesy Baked Red Sauce Pasta
- Use around 2 cups of the prepared red sauce for the measurement. Heat butter in a pan. Add in the pasta sauce and heat it gently. Add in cream cheese and mozzarella cheese. Mix well. Once it is heated and the cheese is melted. Toss in cooked pasta and stir to combine. You can serve this as it is to bake them.
- For baking, transfer the pasta to a baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Place it inside a 200 degree C preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Video
Notes
- If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned or tinned tomatoes. You might need to add 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes. In that case, opt for canned whole tomatoes rather than crushed tomatoes. Whole canned tomatoes has better flavour than crushed tomatoes or tomato puree.
- You can add less garlic if you prefer milder garlic taste. Also you can add more chilli flakes if you like it spicy.
- Chopped onions or shallots can be added in the sauce for flavour.
- You can add cheese when you add cooked pasta into the red sauce for cheesy pasta.
- Use sweet variety of tomatoes for better taste in pasta.
- Never skip pasta cooking water, as it emulsify the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta. Cooked vegetables like sweetcorn, peas, carrots, green beans, broccoli can be added in the sauce. Similarly you can use cooked chicken and prawns in the pasta.
Storage & Serving
Prepared red sauce can be stored in fridge upto a week or more. You can simple boil noodles or pasta and toss with the sauce and serve. You can even use this sauce to make pizza.Nutrition
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Sam
Made it several times by now and it’s a really nice recipe... my toddler loves it!!!
Pushpa singh
veri nice post