Simple Red Sauce Pasta with Garlic
This red sauce pasta with garlic is a quick, flavorful dish made with minimal ingredients and bold Italian-inspired taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting meatless dinner—rich in tomato flavor with a garlicky kick and ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients List
8 oz spaghetti or penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4–5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until golden and fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar if needed. Simmer the sauce for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss well until the pasta is evenly coated.
Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings
Makes 3–4 servings
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 360
Carbs: 50g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 14g
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of water
Not recommended for freezing
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread, sautéed greens, or a crisp salad
Add olives, capers, or roasted veggies for variation
Top with fresh mozzarella or chili flakes for extra flavor
Seasonal Relevance
Great year-round with pantry staples
Perfect for quick spring and summer dinners or cozy winter nights
Conclusion
Simple, fast, and bursting with garlic and tomato flavor, this red sauce pasta is a go-to recipe for anyone craving a comforting, no-fuss Italian-inspired meal.
Simple Red Sauce Pasta with Garlic
3–4
servings5
minutes20
minutes360
kcalA rich and garlicky red sauce pasta made with pantry staples—easy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti or penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4–5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until golden and fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar if needed. Simmer the sauce for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss well until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use good-quality olive oil and tomatoes for best results
Let the sauce simmer to deepen flavor
Toss pasta with sauce immediately to help it absorb flavor
FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes—just blanch, peel, and blend about 5–6 ripe tomatoes.
Q2: How can I make it spicy?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
Q3: Is this recipe vegan?
Yes—just skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
