Lunar New Year Lucky Pasta (Printable)

Celebrate with vibrant pasta featuring tomato, fresh vegetables, and a hint of chili for a festive, lucky dish.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 350 grams dried linguine or spaghetti
02 - Salt, for pasta water

→ Lucky Red Sauce

03 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (e.g., canola or sunflower)
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
07 - 1 red chili, deseeded and finely sliced (optional, for mild heat)
08 - 1 large red bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 (400 gram) can crushed tomatoes
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon sugar
14 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
15 - 0.5 cup water

→ Finishing & Garnish

16 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
17 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
18 - 0.5 cup fresh cilantro or basil leaves
19 - 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional, for extra heat)

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving approximately 0.5 cup of the starchy cooking water.
02 - While the pasta is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
03 - Incorporate the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chili (if using) into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
04 - Add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the pepper begins to soften slightly.
05 - Introduce the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a thickened consistency.
06 - Stir in the sesame oil. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed for optimal flavor balance.
07 - Add the cooked and drained pasta directly to the skillet with the red sauce. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
08 - Divide the sauced pasta among serving plates. Garnish generously with sliced spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro or basil leaves, and an optional drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 40 minutes for quick festive meals
  • Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors
  • Easily customizable with your favorite proteins or vegetables
  • Works beautifully as both everyday dinner and special occasion centerpiece
02 -
  • High in vitamins A and C from bell peppers and tomatoes
  • Can be prepared ahead and reheated making it perfect for busy celebration days
  • Naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan by checking pasta ingredients
  • Symbolizes prosperity and good fortune through its vibrant red color
03 -
  • The key to this fusion dish is balance. Taste frequently as you cook, adjusting the sweet, salty, and acidic elements to create harmony.
  • Remember that pasta will continue absorbing flavor after cooking, so the sauce should be slightly more pronounced than you might expect.
  • For maximum visual impact, reserve some of the most vibrant garnishes to add just before serving. And most importantly, cook with positive intentions—in keeping with New Year traditions, your good energy becomes part of the dish's luck-bringing powers.

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