Spicy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Spicy Tomato Pasta. It is a delicious meal that offers a perfect blend of rich flavors. The creamy tomato sauce envelops the pasta, creating a comforting dish. Plus, it is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinner gatherings. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to adjust spice levels and add your favorite vegetables. Whether you’re feeding a family or simply craving something tasty, this dish is sure to please everyone.
You’ll be delighted by the enticing aroma that fills your kitchen as the ingredients cook together. This dish doesn’t take long to put together, making it an excellent choice for those who want a fulfilling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With a combination of fresh ingredients like onions, garlic, and basil, this Spicy Tomato Pasta brings a burst of flavor to your plate.
How to Make Spicy Tomato Pasta
Making Spicy Tomato Pasta is straightforward and enjoyable, even for those new to cooking. Follow the steps provided below, and soon you will have a lovely plate of pasta ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (omit if you’re dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2/3 cup full fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 pound fusilli pasta (you can use brown rice pasta if preferred)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (from the cooked pasta pot)
- Fresh basil for serving (optional)
Directions
To start, gather all your ingredients and prepare your workspace. Cooking can be more enjoyable when everything is organized and ready to go.
Boil Water: First, bring a large lidded stockpot of salted water to a boil. You will use this pot to cook the pasta later.
Heat Olive Oil: While waiting for the water to boil, pour the olive oil into a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Let it warm for a minute.
Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and smashed garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir them together and let them cook for about five minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add Tomato Paste and Red Pepper Flakes: Next, stir in the tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for another five minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomato paste should start to brown, which adds depth of flavor.
Deglaze the Pan: Once the tomato paste is browned, add a splash of water to the skillet. This will help deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance your sauce.
Incorporate Coconut Milk or Cream: Now, pour in the coconut milk or heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Then, turn off the heat, leaving the sauce covered with a lid to keep it warm.
Cook Pasta: At this point, the water in your stockpot should be boiling. Add the fusilli pasta and cook it for two minutes less than what the package directions state. This way, the pasta will be slightly undercooked, which is perfect for mixing with the sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, scoop out one cup of the pasta water and set it aside. This starchy water will help the sauce stick to the pasta later.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: With the pasta cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. This helps some pasta water come along with it, which is great for the sauce.
Add Pasta Water and Cheese: Now, pour in half a cup of the reserved pasta water and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir this mixture well to combine the pasta with the sauce and melt the cheese.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: Depending on how thick or creamy you want the sauce, add the remaining half of the pasta water as needed. Stir until everything is entirely combined and the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve: Your Spicy Tomato Pasta is now ready to enjoy! Serve it warm in shallow bowls, and if you like, sprinkle some fresh basil on top for added flavor and decoration.
How to Serve Spicy Tomato Pasta
Serving Spicy Tomato Pasta can be simple yet elegant. Here are some ideas to make your presentation appealing:
- Garnish: Fresh basil adds color and herbal flavor. Sprinkle some on top of each serving.
- Cheese: If you love cheese, add more grated Parmesan on top. This will give additional richness.
- Pairing: Serve your pasta with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to complete your meal.
- Heat: If you enjoy more heat, consider providing extra crushed red pepper flakes on the table so guests can spice it up to their liking.
How to Store Spicy Tomato Pasta
If you have leftovers, storing them properly can help maintain their quality:
In the Refrigerator: Place the cooled pasta in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat it in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.
In the Freezer: You can also freeze the pasta. Make sure to place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Spicy Tomato Pasta
Here are some helpful tips to enhance your cooking experience:
- Test Spices: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper based on your spice preference. Start small; you can always add more as needed.
- Vegetarian Add-ins: For a veggie boost, add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic for extra flavor.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta to just under al dente, so when you combine it with the sauce, it continues to cook slightly and absorbs flavors better.
Variation
If you want to try something different, consider these variations:
- Vegan Version: Omit the Parmesan cheese and use coconut milk for dairy-free and vegan-friendly results.
- Protein Addition: You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to the pasta for extra protein.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Bowties, penne, or spaghetti will work just as well.
2. What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce turns out too thick, just add a little more of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving for best results.
By following this straightforward recipe, you can create a delightful dish in no time. Enjoy your Spicy Tomato Pasta with family and friends!
Spicy Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all ingredients and prepare your workspace.
- Bring a large lidded stockpot of salted water to a boil.
- Pour olive oil into a large, deep skillet over medium heat and let it warm.
- Add diced onion and smashed garlic to the skillet; cook for about five minutes until onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes; cook for another five minutes until the paste starts to brown.
- Add a splash of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
- Pour in coconut milk or heavy cream, stirring until smooth and creamy; turn off heat and cover the skillet.
- Cook the fusilli pasta in boiling water for two minutes less than package directions for slight undercooking.
- Before draining the pasta, scoop out one cup of pasta water and set aside.
- Transfer pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce using a slotted spoon.
- Add half a cup of reserved pasta water and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet; stir to combine.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding more pasta water as needed.
- Serve the pasta warm in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh basil if desired.