Easy Pasta Recipe With Red Sauce That Is Healthy And Ideal For Fun Cooking with Children At Home

There's something inherently comforting about a bowl of pasta enveloped in a rich, flavorful red sauce - a timeless culinary embrace that soothes the soul and satisfies the palate.

Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend indulgence, pasta with red sauce is a classic dish that never fails to delight.

Let us learn an easy and versatile pasta recipe featuring a homemade red sauce that's sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the simplicity of Italian cuisine, and embark on a journey to create a delicious pasta dish that will leave you craving more with every savory bite.

Ingredients

For the Red Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, etc.)
• Salt for cooking pasta
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

  
  

  

  How To Prepare

  Preparing the Red Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the garlic and onion mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

  3. Add dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (adjust according to your preferred level of spiciness), salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings into the sauce.

  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors.

  5. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

  6. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the pot with the red sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta cooking water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.

  7. Divide the pasta with red sauce among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy the comforting flavors of this simple yet satisfying pasta dish.

  Nutritional Values (per serving)

  Nutrient	Amount
  Calories	250 kcal
  Protein	8 g
  Carbohydrates	45 g
  Fibre	6 g
  Sugar	5 g
  Fat	3 g
  Saturated Fat	0.5 g
  Sodium	150 mg

  This kid-friendly pasta is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. The whole-wheat spaghetti provides fibre, while the carrots and green beans add vitamins and minerals. The tomato sauce adds flavour without too many extra calories. Enjoy this simple yet nutritious dish with your children!