Creamy Red Sauce Pasta
What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, this easy red sauce pasta recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients, yet it feels special and indulgent.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 300 g 10 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt for boiling
For the Creamy Red Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 can 400g/14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional, for a little kick
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
- Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Pro tip: Reserving a little pasta water helps loosen the sauce later if it’s too thick, giving a silky finish.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pro tip: Don’t let the garlic brown—it can turn bitter. Keep the heat moderate and stir often.
Make the Red Sauce
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Add oregano, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pro tip: Simmering allows the flavors to deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.
Add Cream and Cheese
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the grated parmesan and whisk gently until fully combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Pro tip: Whisk continuously while adding cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet.
- Toss everything together so each strand is coated evenly.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Pro tip: Toss the pasta gently but thoroughly so the sauce clings to every piece—this step makes it feel restaurant-quality!
Serve and Garnish
- Plate the pasta while it’s warm.
- Tear fresh basil leaves over the top and sprinkle a little extra parmesan if you like.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Calcium: 180 mg
- Iron: 2.5 mg