Juicy Red-Wine Tomato Pasta Recipe
Are you tired of the usual tomato pasta sauce? Looking for a new twist to add some excitement to your dinner routine? Look no further than this delicious red-wine tomato pasta recipe! This pasta will bring a touch of sophistication to any meal with its rich, complex flavors and full-bodied texture.
With red wine as one of the key ingredients in the sauce, this dish offers notes of dark fruit and spice that perfectly complement the sweetness of the tomatoes. The addition of fresh oregano, basil, garlic, and black pepper elevate the flavor profile even further, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Not only is this red-wine tomato pasta recipe easy to make at home, it also offers a tantalizing alternative for those who have grown bored with traditional pasta sauces. Whether you are looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want to indulge yourself in something special after a long day, this dish is the perfect choice.
So if you’re ready to take your pasta game up a notch, let’s dive into this recipe and discover how red wine can transform your dinner routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving a pasta recipe that will leave you satisfied and wanting more? Look no further than this red-wine tomato pasta recipe! This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a family feel-good dinner or a romantic night in.
The combination of diced tomatoes, garlic, and red wine creates a robust and flavorful base for your pasta sauce. This sauce is then enhanced with the addition of fresh oregano and basil, giving it an irresistible fragrance and taste.
What sets this red-wine tomato pasta recipe apart is the use of dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, which adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Don’t worry about the alcohol present in the wine – it will simmer out during the cooking process, leaving only the bold flavor behind.
But what truly makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. You can easily switch up the protein or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own. Try adding shrimp for a garlic shrimp pasta, meatballs for a comforting meat sauce, mushrooms for a mushroom pasta, or chicken for a heartier dish. You can even add some cream to make a tomato cream sauce!
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely delicious. Plus, who can resist the combination of red wine and pasta? Trust us – once you try this red-wine tomato pasta recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients that you will need to create this delicious Red-Wine Tomato Pasta recipe:
- 1 pound pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 2 (14-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, minced (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 red chile pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ons:
– Cooked shrimp for a garlic shrimp pasta dish.
– Meatballs for a meatball pasta dish.
– Mushroom for a mushroom pasta dish.
– Marinara or tomato cream sauce for chicken pasta.
– White wine can be used instead of red wine.
The Recipe How-To
Before diving into making the wine tomato pasta sauce, it’s essential to have all the ingredients ready. Mince four cloves of garlic and set aside. Drain two 14-ounce cans of diced tomatoes and grab fresh basil leaves and fresh oregano leaves then chop them finely.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat up two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute or until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Next, pour in two cans of drained diced tomatoes over the sautéed garlic in the skillet. Pour in a cup of dry red wine such as cabernet sauvignon to start building the flavor profile of your tomato sauce.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Spices
Add in one tablespoon of tomato paste and stir the mixture well. Then add a teaspoon of salt , a dash of black pepper, one teaspoon of sugar, and a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. Finally, add in one tablespoon of dried basil and oregano each (use fresh herbs if available).
Step 5: Simmer and Let Wine Do Its Magic
Bring your sauce to a gentle boil so that all ingredients are well combined then reduce heat to low-medium heat. Allow it to simmer for around 30 minutes until your sauce has thickened slightly adding The alcohol present in the wine has reduced during this time resulting in a thicker consistency adjusted by the concentrated flavors.
Step 6: Create Pre-Made Pasta
While you’re simmering the wine tomato pasta sauce, prepare the pasta by cooking it according to instructions on the packaging till Al Dente or mash these ingredients together for making wine pasta dough.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Wine Tomato Sauce
Once you’re satisfied with the consistency of your wine tomato pasta sauce, remove it from heat. Add in the pre-made pasta to the pot of wine tomato sauce and stir to combine. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add in some reserved pasta water as needed to get desired consistency.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Your Wine-Tomato Pasta!
Grate some Parmesan cheese or mozarella cheese over the top if you like, then serve your flavorful red wine pasta hot accompanied by garlic bread and your favorite glass of red wine. The wine tomato sauce is versatile and can also be paired with shrimp, meatballs, chicken, rigatoni, mushroom or served with white wine for the perfect match.
Substitutions and Variations
While this red-wine tomato pasta recipe is already incredibly flavorful, there are plenty of ways to mix it up and make it your own. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Cheese: While mozzarella and parmesan are great choices, you can also try other cheeses like pecorino or fontina.
– Herbs: This recipe uses fresh oregano and basil, but you could also add in other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
– Wine: While a dry red wine like cabernet sauvignon works best in the sauce, you could also use white wine for a lighter flavor.
– Protein: This pasta is delicious on its own as a vegetarian option, but you can add in some shrimp or meatballs for extra protein. You could also consider adding mushrooms or chicken for a heartier meal.
– Spice Level: If you prefer things spicy, consider adding in some red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
– Pasta Type: While rigatoni pairs well with this sauce, you could also try it with linguine, fetuccine or spaghetti.
– Sauce Consistency: While the recipe calls for a thicker sauce consistency by letting it simmer longer; if you prefer softer texture consider leaving it at lower heat (will have thinner consistency).
By trying out these different substitutions and variations, you can create a unique version of this recipe that suits your taste buds perfectly.
Serving and Pairing
This red-wine tomato pasta recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of food options. To complement the bold and savory flavors of the red wine and tomato sauce, I recommend serving this pasta with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
When it comes to pairing this dish with wine, consider serving with a glass of dry red wine like cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir. The depth of these wines pairs perfectly with the robust flavors in the pasta sauce.
If you want to add protein to this pasta, garlic shrimp or meatballs would make great additions. The sweetness of the shrimp or meat perfectly balances out the acidity of the sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor.
If you’re looking to add some more vegetables to your meal, try mushrooms. They have a meaty texture that will add some substance to the dish and their earthy flavor will complement the red wine sauce nicely.
For even more variety, try switching up the pasta shape. This sauce goes well with rigatoni or penne, but also works as a base for other dishes such as chicken pasta with marinara sauce or meat sauce.
No matter what you choose to serve alongside your red-wine tomato pasta, make sure to top it off with some freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making this red-wine tomato pasta sauce ahead of time is a convenient option for busy weeknights. The sauce can be made up to two days in advance, so all you have to do is reheat it and cook the pasta when you’re ready to eat.
To store the sauce, let it cool completely and pour it into an airtight container or a ziplock bag, and keep it refrigerated. The sauce can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator, but if you want it to last even longer, you can freeze it for up to three months.
When reheating the sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if it was frozen. Then, heat the sauce over medium-low heat until it starts to bubble. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
The red-wine tomato pasta sauce pairs well with several ingredients like shrimp, meatballs, mushrooms, rigatoni and more. Regardless of what you choose to add to your pasta dish, this make-ahead option will surely save you time without sacrificing its rich and flavorful taste.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making the perfect Red-Wine Tomato Pasta, a little attention to detail can make all the difference. Here are some tips to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time:
1. Use a flavorful red wine
The alcohol present in the wine will cook off during the process, but it is the flavor that will remain in your dish. A full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon will give your tomato sauce a rich, complex flavor.
2. Don’t skimp on garlic
Garlic is an integral part of this recipe and adds a depth of flavor that cannot be substituted. Use fresh garlic and chop it finely for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Experiment with different pasta shapes
While classic spaghetti works well with this recipe, feel free to switch things up with rigatoni or penne for different texture and shape profiles.
4. Adjust seasoning to taste
Sugar and black pepper are used in this recipe to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and wine, but everyone’s palate is different. Taste test your sauce along the way and adjust accordingly.
5. Add protein for variety
To make this dish more filling and satisfying, try adding shrimp, meatballs, mushrooms or chicken for added protein.
6. Use quality ingredients
Quality olive oil, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs such as oregano and basil will elevate your dish from good to great.
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to impress any dinner guests with your delicious Red-Wine Tomato Pasta creation!
FAQ
As a sommelier, I often receive questions from customers about wine pairings and recipes. Here are some frequently asked questions that may arise while cooking the Red-Wine Tomato Pasta recipe.
What does red wine do to tomato sauce?
When red wine is added to a sauce, it enhances the flavor of each ingredient it touches. This is because the alcohol in wine triggers the release of flavorful molecules in the sauce, resulting in a more complex taste. Additionally, the fat in the sauce is dissolved by the wine, allowing for the release of subtle flavors from the ingredients.
Does red wine go with tomato pasta?
When it comes to pairing wine with pasta dishes that have tomato-based sauce, it’s important to select a wine that can balance the acidity of the sauce. To avoid making the wine taste dull, a medium-bodied red wine like cabernet sauvignon or Zinfandel would be the ideal match.
Do you put red wine before or after tomatoes?
When it comes to adding an extra layer of taste to tomato sauce, you can’t go wrong with either red or white wine. The red wine can lend a luxurious and full-bodied profile to the sauce, while the white wine can bring a fruitier flavor. It is advisable to introduce the wine at the start of the cooking process, right after the vegetables have taken on a softer texture.
What does red wine do in pasta?
If you want to take your pasta dish to the next level without much effort, try incorporating red wine into your sauce. This simple addition offers more than just a boozy kick. Red wine contains properties that bring out the various tastes of your sauce, making each ingredient stand out and merge harmoniously, resulting in a well-balanced and delicious final taste.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this red-wine tomato pasta recipe is simply mouth-watering! With its rich and flavorful red-wine infused tomato sauce, this pasta dish will definitely take center stage at any dinner party. Not only is it easy to make, but it also requires minimal preparation time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Moreover, this recipe is highly customizable and versatile, allowing you to experiment with different substitution and variation options. Whether you choose to add shrimp, meatballs, mushrooms, or any other delicious ingredient into your pasta dish, the red-wine tomato sauce recipe will certainly elevate their flavor profile.
Finally, when it comes to wine pairing suggestions, I highly recommend choosing a cabernet sauvignon or any other flavorful red wine. This choice will beautifully complement the richness of the tomato sauce while balancing its acidity.
Overall, this red-wine tomato pasta is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick and delicious dinner solution that’s also budget-friendly. So why not give it a try tonight? Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Red-Wine Tomato Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces uncooked thin spaghetti
- 1 (4 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Saute garlic in hot oil in a large skillet over medium until lightly browned. Carefully stir in wine and next 5 ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens slightly.
- Cook pasta according to package and 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 with chopped fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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