Fiery Flame Pasta
A vibrant red pasta dish with roasted bell peppers, chili flakes, and a smoky tomato sauce inspired by the heat of fire. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs Penne pasta, Tomato sauce, diced Roasted red bell peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 2 cups Tomato sauce
- 2, diced Roasted red bell peppers
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Chili flakes
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 3, minced Garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 12 oz penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes. Cook for 5 minutes until bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add 2 diced roasted red bell peppers and 1/2 cup pasta water. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring each strand is coated. Garnish with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and additional chili flakes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fiery Flame Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Fiery Flame Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fiery Flame Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Fiery Flame Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Fiery Flame Pasta?
Mediterranean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
