Rotini with Red Wine Marinara

Pasta is a beloved staple in many households, and its versatility allows for endless creative variations. In this recipe for Rotini with Red Wine Marinara, we infuse classic marinara sauce with the rich and complex flavors of red wine. Cooking pasta in a pressure cooker not only saves time but also allows you to use just the right amount of water. This dish is a celebration of pasta’s comforting familiarity combined with a touch of sophistication from the red wine.

SERVES 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

• Water, as needed
• 1 pound dry rotini pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (16-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/8 cup basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cooking the Rotini: Begin by filling your pressure cooker with enough water to just cover the pasta. Bring this water to a boil.
2. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the 1 pound of dry rotini pasta. Lock the lid securely in place and bring the pressure cooker to high pressure. Maintain this high pressure for 7 minutes. Afterward, use the natural-release method to safely release the pressure, and then carefully remove the lid.
3. Drain the cooked rotini pasta, and set it aside for later use.
4. Sautéing the Onion and Garlic: In a pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up before adding the diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion until it starts to caramelize, which should take a few minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic to the sautéed onion, and continue to cook for an additional 30 seconds. The aromatic combination of onion and garlic creates a flavorful base for the marinara sauce.
6. Crafting the Red Wine Marinara: Now, it’s time to create the star of the show—the Red Wine Marinara. Add the can of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup of red wine, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the pan with the sautéed onion and garlic.
7. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld and intensify, with the red wine adding depth and complexity to the marinara.
8. Finishing Touches: As a final flourish, stir in the 1/8 cup of chopped basil into the Red Wine Marinara. This fresh herb adds a burst of color and a hint of brightness to the sauce.
9. Before serving, taste the marinara sauce and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. The salt enhances the flavors, while the pepper adds a gentle kick.

Rotini with Red Wine Marinara transforms a simple pasta dish into a delightful and sophisticated meal. The infusion of red wine elevates the familiar marinara sauce, offering a richness that complements the tender rotini pasta perfectly. The combination of sautéed onion and garlic creates a fragrant base, while fresh basil adds a vibrant, herbal note.

This dish is an invitation to savor the comforting essence of pasta while sipping on the subtle complexities of red wine. It strikes a balance between the classic and the refined, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Whether you’re a pasta aficionado or simply looking for a new way to enjoy this beloved staple, Rotini with Red Wine Marinara promises to tantalize your taste buds. It’s proof that even the simplest ingredients can yield impressive and delightful results when combined thoughtfully. Enjoy this pasta dish with a glass of red wine, and savor the harmony of flavors and textures that make it truly memorable.