She Strengthens

Spicy Tomato Pasta with a Twist

Get Ready for a Flavorful Ride

Imagine a dish that combines the creaminess of vodka sauce with the boldness of arrabbiata sauce. Sounds intriguing, right? This recipe is a game-changer, and it’s about to become your new go-to for easy weeknight dinners.

A Recipe That’s Easy to Love

This dish serves 3-4 people and can be prepared in just 40 minutes. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even for those who are new to cooking.

The Essential Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 medium garlic cloves, sliced paper thin
• 4 medium shallots, halved lengthwise and sliced paper thin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8 fresh oregano sprigs
• 2 small dried red chiles, crumbled
• 1 1/4 cups vodka
• 3 pounds grape or pear tomatoes
• 1 pound capellini or angel hair pasta

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Saucepan

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. Add the garlic and shallots, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until they’re golden brown, which should take about 4 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Aromatic Flavors

Add the oregano and chiles to the saucepan and cook for another minute, until the aroma fills the air.

Step 3: Introduce the Vodka

Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully add the vodka. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and stir to incorporate.

Step 4: Bring in the Tomatoes

Return the saucepan to the stove, reduce the heat to medium, and add the tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to collapse and release their juice. This should take about 40 minutes. Break up some of the tomatoes with the back of a spoon, leaving some whole.

Step 5: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Return the pasta to the pot and toss it with the tomato sauce and reserved cooking water until it’s well coated. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious and spicy tomato pasta!