Carol's Killer Pasta

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with "Carol's Killer Pasta," a flavor-packed recipe that combines simplicity with bold, Italian-inspired ingredients. This irresistible dish features perfectly cooked penne or spaghetti tossed in a rich tomato sauce infused with the warmth of garlic, a kick of crushed red pepper flakes, and the earthy aroma of oregano. Fresh basil adds a burst of brightness, while a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese lends a creamy, savory finish. With just 10 minutes of prep time and pantry staples like olive oil and canned crushed tomatoes, this pasta is as convenient as it is delicious. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to a comforting meal, "Carol's Killer Pasta" brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. Serve it hot, with an extra drizzle of olive oil and crusty bread on the side for an unforgettable dining experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 10 fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 liters water

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.

Step 2

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Peel and finely slice the garlic cloves. Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5

Add the crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavors.

Step 6

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Tear the fresh basil leaves into small pieces and stir them into the sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.

Step 10

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5770.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1593.6

Total Fat 65.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 50mg	0%
Sodium 4339.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 192.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.0g	0%
Total Sugars 35.8g
Protein 70.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1710.3mg	0%
Iron 27.4mg	0%
Potassium 4533.3mg	0%

*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: 36.0%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 46.9%