Ring-Style Spicy Tomato Pasta
A vibrant pasta tossed with sun-ripened tomatoes, garlic, and a kick of red pepper flakes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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 spaghetti
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5, finely chopped garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 chopped garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until slightly thickened, adding 1/4 cup reserved pasta water if needed.
- Step 4: Toss drained spaghetti into the tomato sauce with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Add more reserved pasta water (2 tbsp) if sauce seems too thick, tossing until glossy and evenly coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ring-Style Spicy Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Ring-Style Spicy Tomato 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ring-Style Spicy Tomato 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 Ring-Style Spicy Tomato 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.
Is Ring-Style Spicy Tomato Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.