Spicy Tomato Basil Pasta (Printer-friendly)

Vibrant pasta with tomatoes, fresh basil, and chili for quick, flavorful enjoyment.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz dried spaghetti or penne

→ Sauce

02 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
03 - 4 cloves garlic, finely sliced
04 - 1 fresh red chili, deseeded and finely chopped or 1/2 tsp chili flakes
05 - 28 oz canned whole plum tomatoes, crushed
06 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tsp sugar
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing

09 - 1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn
10 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and chili, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
03 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
04 - Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve desired consistency.
05 - Remove skillet from heat and stir in torn fresh basil leaves.
06 - Plate immediately, topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under thirty minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen
  • The balance of fresh basil and chili creates a complexity that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is
  • It's naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable for vegan friends, so it works for any gathering
02 -
  • Never drain your pasta completely dry. That starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce consistency. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
  • The moment basil hits heat, it starts to lose its brightness and flavor. This is why you add it at the very end, off the heat, so it stays vivid and fresh.
03 -
  • Reserve your pasta water before you do anything else. Keeping a small mug or measuring cup near the sink means you won't forget this essential step that transforms a mediocre sauce into a silky, clinging one
  • If you find your sauce too acidic, a small pat of butter stirred in at the end creates richness that balances the tomato perfectly, a trick I learned from my grandmother

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