Spicy Tomato Pasta with Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant dish combining tender pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a zesty garlic-herb sauce topped with creamy Parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their oils.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/3 cup fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too dry, stir in 2-3 tbsp reserved pasta water until glossy. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tomato Pasta with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Spicy Tomato Pasta with Parmesan?

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 Spicy Tomato Pasta with Parmesan?

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 Spicy Tomato Pasta with Parmesan 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 Spicy Tomato Pasta with Parmesan 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.

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