Description
This Spicy Spaghetti recipe is a quick and flavorful Italian pasta dish made with cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a bold kick of red pepper flakes. It’s an easy 30-minute meal that combines the freshness of homemade tomato sauce with the comforting heat of spice, perfect for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti – the main pasta base
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil – adds richness and depth
- 1 cup diced onion – provides natural sweetness
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes – gives the dish its spicy flavor
- 1 tbsp minced garlic – enhances the aroma
- 4 cups (about 1.5 lbs) cherry tomatoes, halved – fresh and juicy base for the sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano – adds a touch of earthy Italian flavor
- 1 tsp salt – enhances overall taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – balances the spice
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds creaminess and umami
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil – gives freshness and color
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water – to adjust sauce consistency
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes to release the flavor.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently crush the tomatoes and form a rustic sauce.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss with Parmesan and basil until evenly coated.
- Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce looks too thick. Mix well and cook for 1–2 more minutes.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan, basil, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Notes
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Use canned San Marzano tomatoes if fresh cherry tomatoes aren’t available.
- Reserve pasta water to achieve the perfect sauce texture.
- Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or sausage for a protein boost.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg