A Delicious and Easy Spaghetti with Red Sauce Recipe
This recipe will guide you through making a simple yet incredibly flavorful spaghetti with red sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. We'll focus on fresh ingredients and simple techniques to achieve maximum taste. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Red Sauce:
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Taste and Adjust: This is crucial! Taste your sauce and adjust the seasonings. You might need more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preference.
Cooking the Spaghetti:
- Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain the Spaghetti: Drain the spaghetti and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before discarding the rest.
Combining Sauce and Pasta:
- Add Spaghetti to Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve: Serve the spaghetti with red sauce immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves (if using).
Tips for the Best Spaghetti with Red Sauce:
- Use good quality canned tomatoes: The quality of your canned tomatoes will significantly impact the flavor of your sauce. Look for brands with minimal added ingredients.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with spices: Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, or try adding other herbs and spices like thyme or rosemary.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a super quick weeknight meal.
- Add some meat: For a heartier meal, add ground beef, Italian sausage, or meatballs to your sauce.
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