Spicy Pasta Recipe
A hearty, flavorful Spicy Pasta Recipe featuring a robust tomato sauce infused with chili peppers, garlic, and fresh basil, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 400 g pasta penne or rigatoni recommended
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 400g crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1-2 fresh chili peppers chopped (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil leaves chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Mince garlic, chop basil, and set out your spices and crushed tomatoes.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Make the Sauce:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until softened, about 1-2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and chopped chili peppers. Season with salt.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring well to coat. Turn off the heat and mix in chopped fresh basil.
- Serve immediately with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if using.
Storage Tip:
- Cool any leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave with a splash of water.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, consider stirring in a small splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Feel free to swap out the recommended pasta shape for any variety that holds sauce well, such as fusilli or farfalle.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the quantity of red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to suit your taste.
- For an added depth of flavor, you may incorporate a splash of red wine into the sauce during the simmering process.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
- Garnish with extra fresh basil or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese just before serving to enhance the presentation.