Red Spaghetti

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.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 50 grams (grated, optional) Parmesan cheese
• 5 leaves (optional, for garnish) fresh basil leaves

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.

Step 8

If the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 9

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 10

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1688.1 grams (1688.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1145

Total Fat 20.30g	26%
Saturated Fat 9.90g	50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Sodium 3716mg	162%
Total Carbohydrate 199.10g	72%
Dietary Fiber 24.70g	88%
Total Sugars 52.40g
Protein 53.00g	106%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 777mg	60%
Iron 16mg	86%
Potassium 3468mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.3%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 66.9%