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Vegetarian Red Sauce Pasta

Vegetarian Red Sauce Pasta Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes, then reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 1 minute more.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until thickened.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the sauce with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss over low heat until coated, tear in the basil, and serve right away.

Notes

For a richer finish, stir in a tablespoon of cold butter right before you take the pan off the heat. It gives the sauce a velvety sheen.