Description
A quick and comforting spicy spaghetti pasta made with garlic, onion, tomatoes, and chili flakes for a bold, flavorful meal that is easy to customize.
Ingredients
- 200 g spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the red chili flakes briefly to release their flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, sugar, paprika, and oregano. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese if using, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
- Reduce or omit the chili flakes for a milder version.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or ground beef for extra protein.
- For a vegetarian variation, add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamier sauce.
- You can swap spaghetti with penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you have on hand.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a small splash of water on the stove or in the microwave to prevent drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 393
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 4 mg
