Pasta with tomato and red pepper sauce

An easy pasta recipe with a smooth and spicy tomato and red pepper sauce

📝 Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (or 1 tsp if you prefer a spicier sauce)
• 1 medium red pepper (chopped)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 28 ounce can of whole tomatoes preferably San Marzano tomatoes (796 ml)
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 375 grams pasta of your choice
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, to taste)
• grated parmesan or romano cheese, if desired

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In a pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil and saute the onion for 5 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the chili flakes, and the 3 cloves of chopped garlic. Continue to saute for about 2 minutes.
2. 2Add the chopped red bell pepper and the tomato paste and saute for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring regularly.
3. 3To the pot add the canned tomatoes, breaking them apart a little bit with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook over medium heat, covered, for 30 minutes.
4. 4Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain when ready and set aside.
5. 5Using either a blender or an immersion blender, blend your sauce until smooth. If using a blender, put the sauce back in the pot. Taste your sauce (careful, it's hot) and add more chili flakes if you would like a spicier sauce. Cook down to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
6. 6Add in the spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt, or to taste.
7. 7Combine the pasta with the sauce and mix well until the pasta is coated with the sauce.
8. 8Serve with grated cheese such as parmesan or romano if desired.