Description
There’s something sacred about a simmering pot of red sauce—it’s comfort, creativity, and tradition all in one. A cozy go-to for weeknights or a remix canvas for weekends.
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fresh Garlic (4 cloves)
Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz can)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Fresh Basil (small bunch)
Your Pasta of Choice (12 oz)
Optional Add-Ins: Parmesan, Chili Flakes, Butter
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
2. Pour in crushed tomatoes. Stir in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
3. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and deep in color.
4. Meanwhile, cook pasta al dente in salted water. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
5. Stir chopped basil into the sauce. Add butter or Parmesan for extra richness.
6. Toss pasta into the sauce, adding reserved water as needed for silky consistency.
7. Serve hot with more herbs or cheese.
Notes
Feel free to swap herbs and pasta shapes based on what’s in your pantry.
Whole wheat pasta makes this healthier.
Great for batch cooking—freeze extras in small portions for easy meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: red sauce pasta, weeknight dinner, tomato pasta, comfort food