Classic Tomato Basil Red Sauce PastaVeg
Learn how to make a classic, creamy Pasta in Tomato Basil Sauce from scratch! This simple yet delicious red sauce uses fresh tomatoes, fragrant garlic, butter, and vibrant basil for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for busy weeknights, this multipurpose sauce can also be used as a pizza base or for toasts. It’s a wholesome, filling, and budget-friendly recipe that tastes even better the next day. Enjoy this comforting dish that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
1 kg Tomato
90 g Garlic (finely chopped)
1 cup Olive oil
1 tbsp Red Chilli Flakes
40 g Butter
to taste Basil Leaves
400 g Penne Pasta
Instructions
Step 1— Prepare the Tomatoes
1
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the tomatoes to blanch them for about 3 minutes until the skins begin to wrinkle.
2
Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and immediately place them into a bowl of ice-cold water.
3
Once cooled, easily peel off the skins and discard them. Place the peeled tomatoes into a blender and process until they form a smooth, fine paste.
Step 2— Prepare the Aromatics and Base
1
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or pot. Add the finely chopped garlic to the oil.
2
Allow the garlic to sizzle gently on low-to-medium heat; this technique helps it infuse the oil with flavor without burning.
3
Once aromatic, stir in the chilli flakes and sauté briefly.
Step 3— Simmer the Sauce
1
Pour the blended tomato paste into the pan with the garlic and oil. Mix well.
2
Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Continue cooking until the sauce reduces by about a third and reaches a thick, rich consistency.
4
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4— Final Touches and Serving
1
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the butter to add a creamy finish.
2
Add a generous amount of fresh Italian basil leaves, stirring them in to wilt slightly.
3
Add the pre-boiled pasta directly into the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is well-coated.
4
Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil and grated cheese if desired.
