Spicy Penne Pasta

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup penne pasta
• 2 tbsp oil (For sautéing)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 0.5 onion (Chopped)
• 2 tbsp garlic (Chopped)
• 4 tbsp tomato paste
• salt (To taste)
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper powder
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper or red chili powder (Use cayenne pepper or red chili powder)
• 0.333 cup heavy cream (Source states 1/3 cup)
• 1 cup reserved pasta water (Reserve from boiling the pasta; add some to the sauce as needed)
• parsley (Dried or fresh; optional topping)
• shredded mozzarella cheese (As much as desired)
• Italian seasoning (Optional topping)

Steps

1. 1

   Boil the penne pasta and save some of the pasta water before draining.

2. 2

   Warm 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add the chopped half onion and chopped garlic to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes.

4. 4

   Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the salt, red chili flakes, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper powder, and cayenne pepper or red chili powder. Mix well.

6. 6

   Add the heavy cream and some of the reserved pasta water. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat.

7. 7

   Add the butter and let it incorporate into the sauce.

8. 8

   Add the boiled penne pasta and mix well until it is coated in the sauce.

9. 9

   Add shredded mozzarella cheese. Optionally top with additional red chili flakes, fresh or dried parsley, and Italian seasoning, then serve.

Notes

The source does not specify the exact amount of mozzarella, parsley, or optional Italian seasoning. It also does not specify the pasta boiling time or a precise amount of reserved pasta water to add beyond using some of the reserved cup.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• spicy
• vegetarian
• cheesy
• stovetop
• Italian-inspired