Description
This Spicy Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring a rich tomato sauce with a fiery kick from red pepper flakes. It’s an easy and satisfying meal made from pantry staples, perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add red pepper flakes and stir briefly.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Add onions or white wine for more depth.
- Stir in cream or mascarpone for a creamy version.
- Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for protein.
- Great as a base for baked pasta with mozzarella.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
