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Mi Amor Spicy Pasta Recipe

4.8 from 100 reviews

Mi Amor Spicy Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring a rich tomato and chili-based sauce infused with garlic, Calabrian chilies, and fresh basil. This pasta combines a perfect balance of heat and savory depth, complemented by the nutty richness of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, making it an irresistible spicy Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil
  • 8 Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 1/4 cup Tomato Paste
  • 1 Tablespoon Crushed Calabrian Chilies
  • 2 teaspoons Red Chili Flakes
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans Whole Tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons Salt (add more to taste)
  • 8 Fresh Basil Leaves (cut into ribbons or chopped)

Pasta and Garnish

  • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds Pasta (of choice)
  • Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (for topping, freshly grated)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce Base: Place a large, heavy sauce pot over medium-low heat and add the olive oil and minced garlic. Cook gently for about 1 minute, stirring to prevent the garlic from browning too much. Have all other ingredients ready to add immediately after.
  2. Add Flavorings and Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed Calabrian chilies, red chili flakes, and salt. Crush the whole canned tomatoes by hand or with a wooden spoon (or puree them in a blender until smooth), then add them to the pot. Simmer the sauce gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  3. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water if you want to use it to thin the sauce.
  4. Finish the Sauce and Combine: Stir the fresh basil into the completed sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the spicy tomato sauce until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  5. Serve: Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use good quality canned whole tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
  • Adjust the amount of chili flakes and Calabrian chilies to control the spice level according to your preference.
  • Reserve some pasta water when draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  • Fresh basil added at the end keeps its bright flavor and aroma.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano cheese adds a rich, nutty finish to the spicy dish.

Keywords: Spicy pasta, Calabrian chilies, tomato sauce, garlic pasta, Italian pasta recipe, Parmigiano Reggiano pasta