Like spice in your pasta dishes then this is the sauce for you. Its a very easy and quick recipe, perfect for a midweek meal, using very few ingredients but boy does it pack a punch.... you can add less chilli if you prefer it on the mild side or more if you can handle the heat!!
1tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1tsp dried chilli flakes (more if you like it really spicy add a little more but taste before you do)
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
1tsp dried or fresh chopped parsley
1tsp dried or fresh chopped basil
1tsp of sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
250g dried Penne pasta (or any dried pasta you have available)
Finely sliced fresh basil
Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Fresh crack of pepper
Heat the oil on a medium heat in a sauce pan, add the garlic and gently cook until it begins to turn golden... DO NOT LET IT BURN... if it does start again. Burnt garlic can destroy a dish. If you are less confident just cook it on a low heat.
When the garlic is just cooked (after about 5mins) add the chilli flakes and cook for another minute, add a splash of water if the pan is to dry.
Now add the tinned tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil parsley and sugar, turn the heat up a little and allow to simmer 15 mins.
While the sauce is cooking cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
After the sauce has been cooking for 10 mins I like to use a stick blender and blitz it for a smoother sauce, but its not necessary, also have a taste and tweak the seasonings if needed, maybe add extra chilli flakes if you are brave.
Drain the pasta once its cooked and stir into the pasta sauce.
Dish up and if using, crack some fresh pepper, drizzle with extra virgin and sprinkle some freshly chopped basil.... I highly recommend doing this when you serve, not only does it look amazing but it freshens the dish up a little.
