A Fiery Twist on an Italian Classic
My Spicy Tomato Pasta offers the comfort of a traditional tomato sauce. It also brings the heat of chili for an unforgettable meal.
After a long day, there’s nothing like a bowl of pasta to soothe the soul. But sometimes, we crave something with more excitement. This recipe was born from a wish to spice up a classic, adding layers of flavor with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (penne or spaghetti recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust based on your heat preference)
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Cook the Pasta:
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Prepare the Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Add Tomatoes:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Combine:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until you achieve the right consistency.
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Adjust the heat by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it out once added!
For an extra protein boost, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or shrimp to the sauce.
This Spicy Tomato Pasta is perfect for those who like their meals with a kick. I’d love to see your creations, so share them with us using #RecipeOfTheSasturdaySpicy. Next week, I’ll have another delicious recipe waiting for you!
Loved this fiery dish? Here are more from our Recipe of the Week series:
- Recipe of the Friday: Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta
