How to make homemade red sauce pasta

Introduction:

Chefs and home cooks love homemade red sauce pasta, a popular dish that mixes the tasty flavors of tomatoes with the comforting feel of homemade red sauce pasta. This dish is a favorite in Italian cooking and is loved by many for its easy preparation and flexibility. You can make it for a quick dinner on a busy night or serve it at a special event, and you can adjust it to fit different tastes and diets. What makes red sauce pasta great is how well it works with different ingredients Red sauce, also called marinara or tomato sauce, is a key part of Italian cooking and loved all over the world.

Ingredients for the pasta :

• 100g of pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite variety
• Water
• salt

For the red sauce :

• 1 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, finely chopped (or 200g canned tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoons tomato paste (for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust according to taste)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil, chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing :

• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions for step-by-step

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt, about a tablespoon per liter of water. This enhances the flavor of the pasta as it cooks. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but cooked). This usually takes 8–10 minutes Once cooked, drain the homemade pasta and set it aside. You can toss it in a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Red Sauce:

(the pasta is cooking, start on the sauce)

• the Garlic and Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The garlic will release an amazing aroma that serves as the base for your sauce.

• Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pan. Stir well and cook for about 5–7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a thick, rich sauce.

• Season the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste for added depth. Add red chili flakes, oregano, basil, sugar (to cut the acidity of the tomatoes), salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Once the sauce is ready, add the drained homemade pasta directly into the sauce pan. Toss well, making sure every piece of pasta is coated with the rich goodness. Let it cook together for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.

4. Garnish and Serve:

• Your red sauce pasta is ready to be served! For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top, grate some Parmesan cheese (if desired), and drizzle a little olive oil for added richness. for reference

Tips for Red Sauce Pasta:

1. Cook pasta use fresh ingredients:

• Don’t overcook the pasta choose fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs make all the difference. They give the sauce a richer, more natural flavor compared to processed alternatives
• Mix Pasta with Sauce always the cooked homemade pasta in the sauce for a couple of minutes. This helps the homemade pasta absorb the sauce, making it more flavorful in every bite.

This Recipe:

1. Quick and Easy: This entire dish can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
2. Wholesome: Made with fresh ingredients, you know exactly what goes into your meal.
3. Customizable: you want to add extra spice, more vegetables,chicken or shrimp or a protein, of your choice. this red sauce pasta is suit your taste.

• Enjoy your delicious, homemade red sauce pasta! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that rivals any restaurant’s version. This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings and will soon become a staple in your kitchen

Fresh homemade pasta make at home

• Making pasta at home but it’s actually a simple process. Homemade pasta has a unique texture and flavor that store-bought versions can’t quite match. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dough that’s perfect for any pasta dish, whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or lasagna.

Ingredients:

pasta dough that serves 2-3 people, you will need

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for smoother dough)
• A pinch of salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin or a pasta machine
• knife or pasta cutter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Create a flour well: A clean and large mixing bowl, add the flour and Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the flour.
2. Add the eggs: Crack the eggs into the well. If using olive oil, add it with the eggs.
3. Start mixing: Using a fork or your fingers, gradually beat the eggs and start incorporating the flour from the edges of the well. Slowly pull the flour in as you stir, being careful not to break the walls of the flour crater too soon to avoid spilling the eggs.
4. Form the dough: Once the eggs and flour are combined enough to form a sticky mass, begin kneading the dough with your hands. Keep incorporating flour until you have a smooth and slightly elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, you can add a teaspoon of water at a time.

Step 2: Rest the Dough:

1. the dough for about 8-10 minutes. The goal is to achieve a smooth and elastic texture. It should spring back when you press your finger into it.
2. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Resting allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Once rested, divide the dough into smaller portions to make it easier to roll out.
2. On a floured surface, roll each portion of dough out as thin as possible (about 1-2 mm thick). If you have a pasta machine, start with the thickest setting and gradually decrease it as you run the dough through the machine, aiming for thin, even sheets.

Step 4: Cut the homemade Pasta

1. Shape the pasta: Depending on what type of pasta you’re making
2. Dry the pasta: If you’re not cooking the pasta right away, allow the cut pasta to dry for about 30 minutes on a clean surface or hang it on a pasta drying rack.

• For fettuccine or tagliatelle: Roll up the dough sheet and slice it into strips about ¼ inch wide.
• For spaghetti: You can use a pasta machine attachment or cut thin strips with a knife.
• For lasagna: Simply cut the dough into long rectangular sheets.
• For ravioli or tortellini: Cut the dough into small squares or circles to stuff and fold.

Tips for fresh Homemade Pasta:

1. Flour variety: While all-purpose flour works great, you can experiment with semolina flour or 00 flour for a more authentic texture.
2. Eggs : Use room temperature eggs to make the dough easier to knead and roll out
3. .Don’t over-knead: Knead just enough for the dough to come together and become smooth, but don’t overdo it, or the dough may become tough.

• Making homemade pasta is a wonderful way to elevate your cooking, and it’s easier than it seems. With just a few basic ingredients and some hands-on time, you’ll have fresh, homemade pasta that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it with a rich red sauce, creamy Alfredo, or a simple olive oil and garlic mix, homemade pasta is always a crowd-pleaser.