Spicy Penne Pasta with a Kick

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8oz) penne pasta 250g (8.8oz) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference) 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference)
• 400g (14oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish) Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and stir in the dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until it is evenly coated with the spicy tomato sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the Spicy Penne Pasta in individual bowls, garnishing each portion with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Red pepper flakes — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the quantity, or increase it for an extra kick.
• Canned diced tomatoes — Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes to ensure a rich and flavorful sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky twist, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the canned diced tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.
• If you're not a fan of penne pasta, feel free to substitute it with your favorite pasta shape.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making it even more delicious.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Penne Pasta with a Kick as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread to mop up the flavorful sauce.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional red pepper flakes and freshly chopped parsley on top of the dish. Serve it in vibrant pasta bowls to showcase the beautiful colors of the pasta and sauce.