This creamy spicy tomato pasta is a dish that warms your heart and your taste buds! With its rich, tangy sauce and a kick of spice, it’s simply delightful.
You can whip this up quickly for a cozy dinner. I love serving it with garlic bread—talk about a perfect pair! Just be ready for some flavor fireworks! 💥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like penne for its fun shape and how it holds onto the sauce! You can swap for any pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works well if you’re looking for healthier options.
Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing, giving flavor to the dish. Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite for its richness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use vegetable oil or butter, but olive oil brings a nice touch.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re not a fan, shallots or leeks could be a milder choice. For a milder flavor, you can even skip the onion altogether.
Chili Flakes: They add a nice kick! Adjust the quantity to suit your heat tolerance. If you need it milder, you can use paprika or omit them. For a spicier version, try fresh diced chili peppers.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and silky. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try half-and-half, coconut cream, or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
Getting that creamy consistency is key! Start by simmering the crushed tomatoes to enhance their flavor. Here’s how to ensure a smooth sauce:
- Sauté the onion and garlic on medium heat to build flavor. Keep stirring to avoid burning.
- Let the crushed tomatoes simmer until they thicken slightly, locking in flavor and moisture.
- When adding cream, do it slowly over low heat, stirring to combine delicately. This prevents curdling.
- Finally, don’t forget the cheese! Stir it in until melted for added creaminess.
If your sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add some reserved pasta water. It helps to reach that desired consistency!
How to Make Creamy Spicy Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and cooking the pasta and the sauce, and another few minutes for garnishing and plating. It’s a quick yet satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When it’s done, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes translucent. This is where your sauce starts to build flavor!
3. Add Garlic and Chili Flakes:
Now, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly. The aroma will be amazing!
4. Create the Sauce:
Next, pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the smoked paprika. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens slightly.
5. Make it Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the heavy cream. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and well mixed.
6. Stir in the Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until it melts and is fully incorporated, creating a luscious, cheesy flavor.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, mix the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you get the consistency you like.
8. Season and Serve:
Finally, taste the sauce and season it with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil and parsley for that extra touch!
Enjoy your creamy spicy tomato pasta for a comforting, flavorful meal!
FAQ about Creamy Spicy Tomato Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While I suggest penne or rigatoni, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs. Just adjust your cooking time according to the pasta type you use!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or cashew cream, which will still give you a nice creamy texture.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To make the dish milder, reduce the amount of red chili flakes or omit them entirely. If you love heat, feel free to add more chili flakes or even fresh chopped chili peppers for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to rehydrate the sauce if it thickens.
