Spaghetti with semi-dried tomatoes, basil & chilli oil
Spaghetti with semi-dried tomatoes, basil, and chilli oil is a quick yet flavorful dish with a spicy kick from chili peppers and richness from sun-dried tomatoes. It's perfect for any weeknight dinner or an elegant lunch.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil2 red hot chili peppers
12 oz pasta
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup basil leaves
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Spaghetti with semi-dried tomatoes, basil, and chili oil is a delightful and quick pasta dish that blends the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with the spicy kick of chili peppers. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant lunch, this recipe is sure to impress with its simple yet robust flavors.
Instructions:
- Slice the red hot chili peppers thinly, discarding most of the seeds for a milder heat (or keeping them for extra spice).
- In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chili peppers to the olive oil and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- If your sun-dried tomatoes are oil-packed, drain and pat them dry. If they are dried, rehydrate them by soaking in hot water for about 10 minutes, then drain.
- Cut the sun-dried tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl or directly in the pot, toss the cooked pasta with the sun-dried tomatoes and the prepared chili oil.
- Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired consistency, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the oil and juice from the tomatoes.
- Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the pasta.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta.
- Gently toss everything together to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and the basil to become fragrant.
- Divide the pasta among serving plates.
- Optional: Garnish with additional basil leaves and a touch more grated parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Spaghetti with Semi-Dried Tomatoes, Basil & Chilli Oil!
This Spaghetti with semi-dried tomatoes, basil, and chili oil is not only easy to prepare, but it also bursts with wonderful flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more. The fresh basil and spicy chili oil complement the rich sun-dried tomatoes beautifully, making this dish a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Enjoy your meal!
Spaghetti with semi-dried tomatoes, basil & chilli oil FAQ:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, typically around 8-12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta used.
The spaghetti is done when it is tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). You can taste a strand to check for doneness before draining.
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may want to sauté them first to concentrate their flavor. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes will introduce more moisture into the dish.
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or oil as needed.
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for regular pasta. The cooking time may differ, so be sure to follow the package instructions for best results.
Tips:
- Use high-quality olive oil to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- If you prefer a milder spice level, use fewer chili peppers or substitute with a milder variety.
- Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- For a more intense tomato flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Remember to drain them well before use.
- Toss the pasta gently to ensure the sauce coats the spaghetti evenly.
- Garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan for added freshness and flavor.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 440kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 90g
Fiber 8g
Sugar 18g
Fat 18g
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