Description
This Spicy Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines al dente pasta with a savory garlic and tomato sauce infused with red pepper flakes and fresh basil. Perfect for a 20-minute weeknight dinner, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a delightful, spicy, and aromatic pasta that can be enjoyed warm and easily reheated.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces (225 g) pasta of choice
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 12 ounces (340 g) fresh tomatoes, cut in half (optional)
- 1/4 cup (5 g) fresh basil leaves, finely chopped, divided
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and use the back of a wooden spoon to mash and spread it evenly with the garlic. Continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Sauté the Tomatoes: Add the fresh halved tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of the chopped fresh basil to the pan. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the tomato sauce. Toss using tongs or a spoon to ensure the sauce coats each noodle evenly. Adjust salt to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, topped with the remaining fresh basil. Leftovers can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta type such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine.
- Fresh tomatoes are optional but add a fresh, juicy flavor. Canned tomatoes can be substituted if fresh are unavailable.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- Do not rinse the pasta after cooking to help the sauce adhere better.
- Leftovers are best reheated gently on the stovetop with a bit of water to maintain the sauce consistency.
