Satisfy your cravings with Red Wine Tomato Pasta
Looking for a simple yet flavorful pasta recipe that will impress your dinner guests? Look no further than this delicious and easy-to-make red wine tomato pasta recipe.
With its robust flavor and bold red color, this pasta dish is sure to please even the most discerning palate. The key to its delicious taste lies in the use of quality ingredients such as dry red wine, fresh garlic, and diced tomatoes.
Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also quite versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences, whether by adding shrimp or meatballs for a heartier meal, or swapping in rigatoni pasta or tomato cream sauce for a different twist.
Whatever your preferred variation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your mealtime rotation. So why not give it a try tonight?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Warmth, depth of flavor and simple ingredients, that’s what you get with this red wine tomato pasta recipe. The intoxicating (no pun intended) aroma of red wine mixed with the tanginess of tomatoes will tickle your senses in all the right ways. Trust me, your guests will be begging for more.
It’s no secret red wine and pasta go hand-in-hand, but if you’re looking for a sophisticated twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs, then this recipe is your jam! The rich, flavorful sauce is not just delicious on pasta but can also be used as a base for other dishes like garlic shrimp pasta or mushroom meatballs.
Not to mention, it’s super easy to whip up. With only 10 simple ingredients, including pantry staples like olive oil, garlic and tomato paste, this recipe won’t break the bank. But wait there’s more! The parmesan cheese and fresh basil topping gives it an extra burst of flavor without being overpowering.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or an intimate dinner party with friends, this dish will certainly impress. So grab a glass of cabernet sauvignon and let’s dig in!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this delightful Red Wine Tomato Pasta recipe:
Sauce Recipe Ingredients:
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic, minced – 4 cloves
- Red wine – 1 cup (Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
- Diced tomatoes (14-ounce cans) – 2
- Tomato paste – 1 tablespoon
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon
- Fresh oregano, minced – 1 tablespoon (or dried oregano – 1 teaspoon)
- Fresh basil, minced – 3 tablespoons (or dried basil – 1 tablespoon)
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh ground black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – ¼ teaspoon
Pasta Recipe Ingredients:
- Rigatoni pasta – 1 pound (other short pasta like penne or spaghetti is fine too)
- Salt for pasta water and seasoning
- Parmesan cheese, grated for serving (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for serving (optional)
Note: For best results, use extra virgin or virgin olive oil. Also, the quality and flavor of your red wine can greatly impact the final taste of the dish. Stick to dry red wine with a decent alcohol percentage around 12%-14%.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to cook. This red wine tomato pasta recipe is simple to follow and will make your taste buds dance.
Preparation
Start by measuring 1 cup of dry red wine and setting it aside for now. Also, gather all of the sauce ingredients and prepare them for cooking.
Cooking the Sauce
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Stir in the prepared tomato sauce ingredients, including two 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Pour in the prepared red wine and let it come to a boil for 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finally, season with freshly ground black pepper, sugar, and salt to taste.
The result should be a flavorful red wine tomato sauce with just the right balance between sweetness and acidity.
Preparing the Pasta
While your sauce is simmering away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
1. Add 1 pound of rigatoni pasta.
2. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.
Bringing It All Together
Combine your cooked pasta with your finished red wine tomato sauce in the large skillet you used earlier over medium heat.
1. Use tongs or a pasta spoon to evenly coat each piece of pasta with sauce.
2. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley, basil or oregano on top for added flavor.
3. Finish with some grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
4. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
- Use a good quality dry Cabernet Sauvignon for best results.
- To make it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a diced red chile pepper to the sauce.
- To reduce the alcohol content, simmer the sauce for an additional 10 minutes or until the alcohol has cooked off completely.
Now that you know how to make this delicious red wine tomato pasta recipe, it’s time to head to the kitchen and start cooking!
Substitutions and Variations
The great thing about this red wine tomato pasta recipe is that it’s easy to make substitutions and variations based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Wine: While the recipe calls for a dry red wine like cabernet sauvignon, you can use whatever type of red wine you prefer or even substitute with white wine. Just keep in mind that the wine will affect the flavor of the dish, so choose a wine that complements the other ingredients.
– Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe. Rigatoni, spaghetti, and fettuccine all work well, but feel free to experiment with different kinds. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using rice or quinoa pasta.
– Meat: This recipe is delicious as-is, but if you’re a meat-eater, you can add some cooked shrimp, meatballs, or ground beef to the sauce for extra protein. If you’re vegetarian or trying to cut back on meat consumption, mushrooms make a great substitution and add a nice texture to the dish.
– Sauce: If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, you can make this recipe with a mushroom sauce instead of tomato sauce. Or try making a tomato cream sauce by adding heavy cream to the recipe. Marinara sauce and meat sauce are also great options if you want to switch things up.
– Spices: You can adjust the amount of spices in this recipe to suit your taste. If you like things spicy, add more red pepper flakes or diced red chile peppers. If you prefer milder flavors, leave them out altogether.
Whatever substitutions or variations you choose to make, this red wine tomato pasta recipe is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family meal.
Serving and Pairing
This red wine tomato pasta is a crowd pleaser and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. To give your meal added nutrition, you can add some spinach or kale on the side.
As far as wine pairing, you can’t go wrong with a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon. The alcohol content present in the wine will complement the sweetness of the tomatoes and help balance the acidity.
If you prefer white wine, go for a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are lighter and will provide a crisp flavor to balance out the boldness of the pasta sauce.
For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, a sparkling cider or soda water with some fresh lime juice will also work well.
Parmesan cheese and fresh basil are great additions to this dish’s flavors, so feel free to sprinkle some on top just before serving for an added punch of flavor.
This recipe also pairs well with shrimp, meatballs or mushroom for non-vegetarian options. For those looking for a creamier version of this dish, try incorporating tomato cream sauce or marinara sauce into your pasta.
Overall, this recipe is versatile enough for all taste buds and can be served as an everyday meal or an impressive dinner party dish.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This red wine tomato pasta sauce recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer. When making this sauce ahead of time, be sure to let it cool first before storing in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
To reheat the sauce, simply heat it in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. If you find that the sauce has thickened while being stored, you can add a little bit of water or chicken stock to thin it out.
If you have leftover pasta with the sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat the pasta and sauce together in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a little bit of extra liquid to loosen up the sauce as you reheat it.
This recipe also lends itself well to meal prepping. You can portion out servings into individual containers and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy meals throughout the week. Simply reheat as needed for a delicious and flavorful pasta dish that’s always ready when you are.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure a mouthwatering Red Wine Tomato Pasta, there are tips you should keep in mind while preparing the delicious dish. Here are some tips for perfect results.
First, it is important to cook the pasta al dente or to your desired preference as overcooked pasta can make the meal mushy and ruin its texture.
Secondly, be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing in the olive oil. Burnt garlic can taste bitter and ruin the overall flavor of the dish.
Thirdly, do not overcook the tomato paste after adding it because overcooking can cause it to turn bitter as well.
Fourthly, when choosing which red wine to pair with this dish, it is recommended to use Cabernet Sauvignon or any flavorful red wine. The alcohol present in wine helps extract additional flavors from the tomatoes and vegetables included in this recipe.
Fifthly, be sure to season carefully with salt and sugar. Too much salt can be overwhelming, and too much sugar can make the dish too sweet. It’s recommended that you start small with these ingredients and adjust as you go.
Finally, add fresh herbs such as basil or oregano for added depth of flavor. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra richness and depth of flavor.
Keep these tips in mind while making this recipe and you are guaranteed to have perfect results every time!
FAQ
Before you start cooking this delicious recipe, it’s important to address some common questions and concerns that people may have. In this section, I will do my best to answer any of your doubts and provide helpful tips to ensure the best possible outcome when preparing this Red Wine Tomato Pasta Recipe. So, let’s dive into the frequently asked questions!
What does red wine do to tomato sauce?
Wine alcohol can enhance the flavors of your sauce. It has the power to unleash the flavors of every ingredient it comes into contact with. When red wine is added to a sauce, it dissolves the fats in it, revealing the subtle flavors of the ingredients.
Does red wine go with tomato pasta?
When it comes to enjoying pasta dishes with tomato-based sauce, the right wine pairing is crucial. To avoid dulling the flavors of the wine, it’s best to choose a medium-bodied red wine that can balance the acidity of the sauce. Wines such as cabernet sauvignon or Zinfandel make for great choices in this case.
Do you put red wine before or after tomatoes?
When it comes to enhancing the taste of tomato sauce, both red and white wine can do the trick. The red wine is perfect for making the sauce more intense and full-bodied, while white wine adds a fruity touch. It is best to add the wine in the early stages of cooking, after the vegetables have become soft.
What does red wine do in pasta?
If you’re looking for a quick and effortless way to magnify the taste of your pasta sauce, why not consider incorporating some red wine? The alcoholic content of red wine possesses an exceptional ability to enrich the flavors present in the sauce, really bringing out the individual tastes of each ingredient. By doing so, it creates a harmonious and well-balanced flavor that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this red wine tomato pasta recipe is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a flavorful and savory meal that will surely impress their guests. The combination of dry red wine, fresh garlic, and diced tomatoes work together to create a robust sauce that is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine or hosting a special event, this pasta recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Additionally, the versatility of this recipe allows for numerous substitutions and variations to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
So why not give this red wine tomato pasta recipe a try? You won’t regret it. Your taste buds will be thanking you for the flavorful experience. Pair it with a glass of cabernet sauvignon or white wine and enjoy the exquisite flavor combination. I assure you that you’ll fall in love with this dish as much as I have.
Thank you for reading and hopefully you’ll try out this scrumptious recipe soon!
Red Wine Tomato Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 12 ounces uncooked thin spaghetti
- 1 (4 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Toppings
- chopped fresh basil
- freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté garlic in hot oil in a large skillet over medium heat 1 minute or until lightly browned. Carefully stir in wine and next 5 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes or until thickened.
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Stir together hot pasta, mozzarella cheese, and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese in a large serving bowl, tossing to coat until cheeses start to melt. Pour tomato sauce over pasta mixture, and toss to combine. Serve immediately with desired toppings.
- Red Wine-Tomato-and-Steak Pasta: Prepare sauce as directed. Stir 2 cups thinly sliced cooked steak into tomato mixture before simmering. Simmer 20 minutes or until thickened. Substitute 12 ounces penne pasta for thin spaghetti.
- White Wine-Tomato-and-Clam Pasta: Prepare sauce as directed, substituting dry white wine for red wine. Stir in 2 drained (6.5-ounce) cans chopped clams to tomato mixture just before tossing with pasta mixture.