Dive into the comforting embrace of Red Spaghetti, a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish that brings the taste of Italy straight to your table. This recipe features perfectly al dente spaghetti coated in a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and Italian herbs like oregano and basil. A touch of sugar balances the tanginess of the crushed tomatoes, while a splash of starchy pasta water ensures the sauce clings seamlessly to every strand of spaghetti. Ready in just 40 minutes, this classic dish is a weeknight hero and can be elevated with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for a touch of elegance. Whether you're seeking a quick dinner idea or a cozy family meal, this Red Spaghetti recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Add 1 cup of water and stir everything together. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Calories |
1145 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.3 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.9 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 3716 mg | 162% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 199.1 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.7 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.4 g | ||
| Protein | 53.0 g | 106% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 777 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 15.5 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 3468 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.