Pasta with Spiced Tomato Basil Sauce
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and flavorful Pasta with Spiced Tomato Basil Sauce! This recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with the warmth of red chili flakes, the depth of garlic, and the freshness of basil. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a savory finish. Perfectly spiced and simmered to perfection, this sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta shape you love—whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Ready in under 45 minutes, this dish is a comforting crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread or a crisp green salad for a complete Italian-inspired feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 15 g fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 50 g fresh parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the red chili flakes and stir for 30 seconds to release their flavor.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir everything to combine.
Let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding the reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1366 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.8 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.0 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 4146 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 188.6 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.4 g | 84% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.0 g | ||
| Protein | 55.0 g | 110% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 845 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 3321 mg | 71% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
