Spicy Tomato Sauce Pasta

Ingredients

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust according to spice preference) 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust according to spice preference)
• 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 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
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 72g, 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. 4.
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and dried basil. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the Spicy Tomato Sauce Pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spaghetti — Cook the spaghetti until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite and doesn't become mushy.
• Crushed tomatoes — Opt for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes to achieve a rich and flavorful sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the amount of red chili flakes according to your spice preference.
• For an extra kick, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering.
• Top the pasta with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving for added richness.
• Serve the dish with a side of garlic bread to complement the flavors.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Tomato Sauce Pasta in individual pasta bowls or plates. Garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, twirl the spaghetti using tongs or a pasta fork before placing it on the plate. This creates an elegant and visually pleasing presentation.