Okay, if you love pasta with a punch of flavor, this Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta is going to blow your mind. Imagine tender garlic cloves slowly simmered until theyโre sweet and mellow, swimming in rich, spicy tomato sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. This dish is comfort food with a kickโa little smoky, a little fiery, and totally satisfying. Itโs perfect for those nights when you want something that feels fancy but is actually super easy to make. Trust me, youโre going to want to keep this recipe close.
Why Youโll Love Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta
Hereโs the deal:
Versatile: Great for a cozy solo dinner or a lively dinner party with friends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples with bold flavorโno need for fancy ingredients.
Quick and Easy: The confit takes a bit of time, but hands-on prep is minimal, and the payoff is huge.
Customizable: Adjust the heat or add fresh herbs, veggies, or your favorite protein.
Crowd-Pleasing: Rich, spicy, and garlickyโthis pasta hits all the right notes.
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Ingredients in Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta
Letโs break down the stars of the show:
Garlic Cloves
Slow-cooked to sweet perfection, mellowing out the sharp bite.
Cherry or Roma Tomatoes
Bursting with natural sweetness and acidity to create a vibrant sauce.
Olive Oil
The base for the confit and the sauce, rich and flavorful.
Red Chili Flakes or Fresh Chili
For that spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Fresh Herbs (Basil, Parsley, or Oregano)
Brighten and freshen the sauce with herbal notes.
Pasta (Spaghetti, Linguine, or Your Favorite)
The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that garlicky, spicy goodness.
Salt and Pepper
Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
Instructions
Ready to make magic? Hereโs how:
Make the Garlic Confit
Slowly simmer peeled garlic cloves in olive oil over low heat until soft, tender, and golden but not browned (about 30โ40 minutes). This mellow garlic oil will be your sauce base.
Prepare the Sauce
Add halved tomatoes and chili flakes to the garlic oil. Let everything gently simmer until tomatoes burst and the sauce thickens, about 15โ20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water.
Combine
Toss the drained pasta into the spicy tomato garlic sauce. Add reserved pasta water little by little to loosen the sauce if needed.
Add Fresh Herbs
Stir in chopped fresh herbs for a bright, fresh finish.
Serve Hot
Plate up, drizzle with extra garlic oil if you like, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan or vegan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 400โ500 (depends on pasta and oil amount)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40โ50 minutes (mostly unattended simmering)
Total Time: About 1 hour
How to Serve Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta
Try these serving ideas:
With a Simple Green Salad: Light and crisp to balance the richness.
Garlic Bread on the Side: Because, why not?
Topped with Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra oomph.
With a Glass of Red Wine: Perfect match for the bold, spicy flavors.
Additional Tips
Make your pasta perfect every time:
Low and Slow for Garlic: Donโt rush the confit; gentle heat is key.
Adjust Heat: Add more or less chili flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
Use Fresh Tomatoes: When in season, they make a huge difference.
Reserve Pasta Water: Helps bring the sauce and pasta together perfectly.
Add Extras: Olives, capers, or roasted veggies can add more depth.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I skip the confit and just cook garlic normally?
A1: You can, but the slow-cooked garlic is what makes this sauce specialโso give it a try!
Q2: What pasta works best?
A2: Long noodles like spaghetti or linguine are perfect, but use your favorite.
Q3: Can I make this vegan?
A3: Absolutely! Just skip cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Q4: How spicy is it?
A4: Moderate heat by defaultโeasily adjusted with more or less chili.
Q5: Can I prepare the garlic confit in advance?
A5: Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to a week.
Q6: Can I freeze the sauce?
A6: You can, but fresh is best to preserve the garlic flavor.
Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2โ3 days.
Q8: Can I add other veggies?
A8: Roasted peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work beautifully.
Q9: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A9: Fresh herbs add the best flavor, but dried can work in a pinchโuse less.
Q10: Whatโs the best way to reheat this pasta?
A10: Gently warm on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil.
Conclusion
This Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta is a delicious, comforting dish with layers of flavor that feel like a treat every time you eat it. The mellow garlic confit combined with the spicy tomato sauce is a match made in heaven, perfect for elevating your weeknight dinners or impressing friends without breaking a sweat. So grab your garlic, fire up that stove, and get ready to savor every flavorful bite!
Print
Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant pasta dish featuring slow-cooked garlic confit in a spicy tomato sauce, tossed with al dente pasta for a perfect balance of heat and rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250ยฐF (120ยฐC).
- In a small oven-safe dish, combine olive oil, garlic cloves, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook in the oven for 1 hour until garlic is soft and golden.
- Remove garlic cloves from oil and mash lightly with a fork.
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat, add the crushed tomatoes and mashed garlic with some of the confit oil.
- Simmer for 10โ15 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Toss pasta with the spicy tomato garlic sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in chopped basil and drizzle with some of the garlic confit oil.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- The garlic confit oil can be saved and used for dressings or dipping bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked / Simmered
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg