Energizing Spicy Tomato Pasta in Just 20 Minutes!

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish when I need something quick—Energizing Spicy Tomato Pasta! It’s this vibrant, super comforting meal that just bursts with flavor. Picture this: pasta coated in a rich, spicy tomato sauce that warms you right up, all crafted in just 20 minutes. I mean, who doesn’t love a speedy yet delicious dinner? Whether you’re relaxing at home or whipping it up for friends, this dish is always a hit, and it literally fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma.

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s packed with flavor—seriously, each bite makes you feel alive!
• You can whip it up in a flash—ideal for a busy weeknight!
• Super flexible—feel free to toss in leftover veggies or proteins!
• It warms your soul and it’s all vegetarian, too—no need to compromise!

My family fights over the last bowl, and honestly, I can’t blame them—it’s just that good!

What You’ll Need

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons—extra virgin, if you can; it just adds a richer flavor
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced—more is always better in my book!
• Dried red chili flakes: 1 teaspoon—not too much, but just enough kick!
• Canned tomatoes: 400g (1 can, chopped)—the heart of this dish!
• Tomato puree: 2 tablespoons—to deepen that lovely tomato flavor
• Salt: to taste—always season as you go!
• Black pepper: to taste—freshly ground if possible!
• Fresh basil: a handful, chopped—nothing beats the aroma of fresh herbs
• Parmesan cheese: to serve—because cheese makes everything better!
• Pasta: 400g (spaghetti or your choice)—I love spaghetti for that classic feel!

Easy How-To

Get Everything Ready

Alright, first things first—let’s get all our ingredients together. Grab your pasta, garlic, those spicy chili flakes, and those lovely canned tomatoes… Just get them all prepped and ready to go. Oh, and don’t forget the olive oil and fresh basil—everyone loves the smell of fresh basil, right?

Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Now, you want to bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Seriously, make it *really* salty—that’s where the pasta gets its flavor! Add in your pasta, cook it until it’s al dente… maybe follow the package instructions for timing or just give it a taste test—however you roll. Oh! And save about a cup of that pasta water before you drain it. Trust me, it’ll help bring everything together later.

Create the Flavorful Sauce

In a large pan, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and the chili flakes. You want to sauté them until they’re fragrant—like, just until they start to smell heavenly, you know? Then, add in the chopped canned tomatoes and the tomato puree—let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to stir it here and there, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! After a bit, it’ll all just come together wonderfully.

Mix It All Together

Okay, once your sauce is looking all rich and beautiful… drain the pasta and add it right to the sauce. Remember that pasta water you saved? Pour in a bit of that to loosen the sauce if it seems too thick. Toss it all together gently, making sure every strand of pasta is well-coated in that delicious sauce. Toss in the fresh basil at the end. Yum!

Good to Know

• If you want extra flavor, roast some veggies and toss them in before serving!
• This sauce freezes wonderfully if you want to batch-cook it for later!

Serving Ideas

• Serve it with a crisp salad on the side and some garlic bread to soak up that sauce.

Top Tricks

• Don’t be shy with the garlic—feel free to add an extra clove or two if you love that flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Any pasta you like will work, whether it’s penne, fusilli, or classic spaghetti. Just cook it according to the package directions!

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Oh, for sure! This recipe is already vegetarian as it’s all about those tasty tomatoes and spices! You’re all good here.

How can I adjust the spice level?

If you’re not into too much heat, just go easy on the chili flakes! Add a pinch, taste, and if it’s not enough, you can always add more!

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and just pop it in the fridge for later… warms right up nicely when you’re ready to serve!

What can I serve this pasta with?

This spicy tomato pasta pairs beautifully with a light side salad or some warm, crusty garlic bread. It’s comfort food at its best!

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So there you go, a lovely recipe that never fails to make me smile. I hope you give this Energizing Spicy Tomato Pasta a try, and perhaps it’ll become a favorite of yours too! Enjoy cooking!