2. Spicy Tomato Penne Pasta
Spicy Tomato Penne combines a rich tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, Parmesan, and just enough chili to bring some heat.
Penne is particularly good for this dinner because its hollow center and ridged exterior capture the sauce, giving you plenty of flavor in every bite.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Flavor | Savory, tomato-rich and slightly spicy |
Ingredients
- 12 oz / 340 g penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can crushed tomatoes, approximately 28 oz / 800 g
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sugar, optional
- Salt and black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
1. Boil the penne
Cook the pasta in generously salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve approximately ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and continue cooking for approximately 30 seconds.
3. Build the tomato sauce
Add tomato paste and cook for about one minute.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add oregano, dried basil, salt and black pepper.
If your tomatoes are especially acidic, a small pinch of sugar can help balance the sauce.
4. Simmer
Lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for approximately 15 minutes.
Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens.
5. Toss with pasta
Add the cooked penne directly to the tomato sauce and toss thoroughly.
Use a small amount of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Garnish
Finish with freshly torn basil and grated Parmesan.
Make It Less Spicy
Start with only ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Extra chili can always be added at the table.
Make It a Complete Dinner
Add sliced Italian-style sausage, grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or roasted eggplant.