Pasta With Red Sauce Or Butter Recipe

Boil the Pasta

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

Drain and Set Aside

Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water if needed for the sauce.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, and add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine.

Simmer the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. If it gets too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water.

Finish the Sauce

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and set aside.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Serve with Red Sauce

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Butter Option

For a butter option, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet after removing the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss until well coated. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.