Pasta with Spiced Tomato Basil Sauce

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and flavorful Pasta with Spiced Tomato Basil Sauce! This recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with the warmth of red chili flakes, the depth of garlic, and the freshness of basil. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a savory finish. Perfectly spiced and simmered to perfection, this sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta shape you love—whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Ready in under 45 minutes, this dish is a comforting crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread or a crisp green salad for a complete Italian-inspired feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 15 g fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 50 g fresh parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Add the red chili flakes and stir for 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 6

Add the tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir everything to combine.

Step 7

Let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Stir in the chopped fresh basil and allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 9

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding the reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1350.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1366.2

Total Fat 47.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 4145.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 188.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.4g	0%
Total Sugars 44.0g
Protein 55.0g	0%

Vitamin D 20IU	0%
Calcium 845.1mg	0%
Iron 13.1mg	0%
Potassium 3321.2mg	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: 30.6%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 53.7%