Spicy Tomato Basil Pasta (Printable)
Zesty pasta featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and chili for a vibrant, quick meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz dried spaghetti or linguine
→ Sauce
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
04 - 1 medium red chili, deseeded and finely chopped or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
05 - 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
06 - 1 tsp sugar
07 - 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus additional to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Finish
09 - 1 large handful (about 1 oz) fresh basil leaves, torn
10 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving (optional)
11 - Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water then drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and chili, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
03 - Add diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper to skillet. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
04 - Adjust seasoning to taste. Stir half of the torn basil leaves into the sauce.
05 - Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce requires loosening.
06 - Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan and remaining basil leaves. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
07 - Plate immediately, offering extra Parmesan and chili flakes as desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This sauce tastes like summer captured in a bowl but comes together in under 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners feel special.
- The balance of fresh basil and just the right amount of spice is like sharing a secret flavor trick with a close friend.
02 -
- Don't skip reserving pasta water – it's the secret to the sauce clinging perfectly to the noodles.
- Adding basil early chills the flavor; adding some toward the end keeps that fresh herbal punch.
03 -
- Use a wooden spoon to toss pasta gently without mashing the sauce ingredients.
- Simmer sauce uncovered so it thickens nicely and concentrates flavors.