Hot and spicy pasta lovers rejoice… This Spicy Tomato Pasta is quick and easy, full of flavor and on the table in under 30 minutes. Bold tomato sauce infused with chili and tasty garlic, this has such amazing restaurant flavor and it’s all made with simple ingredients.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!It’s great for easy weeknight dinners, no-sweat entertaining or fast lunches. Whether you opt for a straightforward version or embellish it with fresh basil or Parmesan (or both!), this dish promises heat, depth and sheer comfort in every bite. It’s vegetarian by definition and can seamlessly be made vegan or gluten-free.
Why You’ll Love Spicy Tomato Pasta
The Attack Bold, bodacious flavor that can be tailored to your taste
Ready in under 30 minutes
Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
Vegetarian (and vegan if you omit the cheese), of course
Perfect weeknight meal or speedy meal prep
Great with salads, crusty breads, or roasted vegetables
Ingredients
8 oz (225g) of your favorite pasta (I used penne, but spaghetti and fusilli work great as well)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, sliced thin or minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
1 teaspoon chili paste or harissa, for more heat (optional)
1 (14 oz/400g) can crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
½ teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
grated Parmesan (or vegan cheese), for topping (optional)
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta as directed until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and transfer to a large bowl.
Make the spicy tomato sauce:
In a large skillet or a wide-bottomed saucepan, over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
Stir in garlic, and cook for 1-2 minutes, or just until fragrant, (do not brown the garlic).
Add red pepper flakes and chili paste (if using), and cook 30 seconds.
Add tomatoes:
Add crushed tomatoes and mix well. Season with salt, pepper and sugar.
Simmer, uncovered, 10-12 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
Combine with pasta:
Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss. Toss well to coat.
If it’s too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to bring to the desired consistency.
Finish and serve:
Remove from heat and stir in basil if using.
Plate and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan or vegan cheese alternative.
Serve at once and enjoy the warmth!
Tips for Best Results
Make it your own: Add more or less red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
Add protein: Add chickpeas, white beans or grilled tofu for a heartier meal.
Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta!
Balance the acidity: A pinch of sugar rounds out the tomato.
Brighten with lemon: You can add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave or warm gently on the stove top with a splash of water.
Freezer: Freeze sauce (without pasta) for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes — if you omit the Parmesan or you use a vegan Parmesan.
What pasta is best with spicy tomato sauce?
Short pastas like penne or rigatoni allow the sauce to cling on, but spaghetti or linguine are also fine.
Can I make this less spicy?
Absolutely. Just leave the red pepper flakes and chili paste out or dial them back.
Spicy Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz 225g pasta (any type)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic sliced or minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes more or less to taste
- 1 tsp chili paste or harissa optional
- 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- ½ tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil optional
- Grated Parmesan or vegan cheese optional
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup water, then drain.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil for 1–2 minutes.
- Add red pepper flakes and chili paste; cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–12 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to sauce. Toss well, adding pasta water if needed.
- Remove from heat. Add basil and cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this GF.
- Add crushed chili or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Store leftover sauce separately for longer shelf life.
