Redhot Pasta

Ignite your taste buds with Redhot Pasta, a fiery yet flavorful dish perfect for spice lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike. This recipe features tender penne enveloped in a bold, aromatic tomato-based sauce that combines minced garlic, vibrant red chili flakes, and diced red bell pepper for a kick of heat and sweetness. The sauce is simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes and a touch of sugar, balanced with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish. Whether you opt to toss in shrimp, chicken, or tofu for extra protein, this crowd-pleaser is versatile and easy to customize. Ready in just 35 minutes, Redhot Pasta makes an ideal weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining. Serve it piping hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan—or a plant-based alternative—for a richly satisfying meal that packs a punch.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Red chili flakes
• 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 400 grams Crushed tomatoes
• 1 piece Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 10 grams Basil leaves, chopped
• 50 grams Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or use plant-based parmesan)
• 200 grams Protein of choice (shrimp, chicken, or tofu, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Stir in the red chili flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their heat.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the diced red bell pepper, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

If using a protein, cook it separately in a pan (seasoned as desired) and add it to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.

Step 7

Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Step 8

Fold in the fresh chopped basil leaves and give the pasta a final stir.

Step 9

Serve the Redhot Pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (or plant-based alternative) if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1280.8 grams (1280.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2295

Total Fat 51.70g	66%
Saturated Fat 13.70g	69%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 421mg	140%
Sodium 3571mg	155%
Total Carbohydrate 340.40g	124%
Dietary Fiber 25.60g	91%
Total Sugars 26.80g
Protein 124.00g	248%

Vitamin D 358IU	1788%
Calcium 784mg	60%
Iron 21mg	115%
Potassium 3040mg	65%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.0%

Protein: 21.4%

Carbs: 58.6%