> originally published on March 29, 2017 | updated on April 7, 2022 <
This is such a simple, deliciously easy meal. It has fresh cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic, basil, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. I create most of my recipes as “small batch recipes”, which are ideal for two people. This one is a small batch spicy spaghetti recipe for two, but you can absolutely double it if needed!
The entire recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes, including the time it takes to prepare the ingredients. Just so you know, there is no cream, no cheese, nada. Just fresh ingredients, some olive oil to coat the noodles, and that’s it! If you’re familiar with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio pasta (which translates to “spaghetti with garlic and oil”, this is pretty similar to that! However, I add the tomatoes, basil, and plenty of red pepper flakes for even more flavor!
Ingredients for Spicy Spaghetti with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil:
- 4 oz. Dry Spaghetti
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil divided
- 1 1/2 cups Cherry Tomatoes*, halved
- 1 large Shallot, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh Basil Leaves**
- 1/4 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes***
- Salt & Cracked Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
*Substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or any other small variety of fresh tomato. You can also use larger tomatoes, such as Roma, On-the-Vine, etc., but be sure to cut them into bite size pieces before cooking!
**Use more basil leaves if you really love basil!
***I actually use 1/2 tsp. of red pepper flakes when I make this, but all of our tastes are very different. If you’re used to heat (and really like it), use 1/2 tsp. or more (you’ll see the option for this in the recipe below and in the recipe card). I recommend just sticking with 1/4 tsp. if you’re not as into super spicy food!
This recipe doesn’t necessarily make a spicy sauce, but rather it spices up the fresh ingredients that are mixed into the noodles. It’s light, spicy, and a great recipe if you like spicy foods!
How to Make this Spicy Spaghetti
- Prepare spaghetti noodles according to package instructions, minus about one minute to make them al dente.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, pour in one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced shallots, halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon of the red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
3. Cook the vegetables until softened and slightly charred, about 6-7 minutes. (The tomatoes will start to fall apart, which is great! You want them to coat the noodles.)
4. Stir in another tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is softened and very fragrant, about one minute. Sprinkle in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes – only for the extra spicy version!
6. Transfer the cooked noodles to the pan. Sprinkle in the finely chopped basil, and use tongs to toss all of the ingredients together.
7. Drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the lemon juice. Toss the pasta together again. Taste and season with another pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper to taste. Serve immediately!
To make a large batch of this recipe, feel free to double or triple the ingredients as needed. I would recommend adding the olive oil about a tablespoon at a time until it coats the noodles to your liking, though. Everything else can be doubled!
You are more than welcome to add any other flavors to this recipe, too! A little Italian seasoning or onion powder would be absolutely delicious in it, some fresh parsley is a great garnish, and some toasted Italian bread crumbs would be AMAZING on top! You can find a recipe for those in this Asparagus Caesar Salad post. For an extra kick, you could add a touch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce, or even some spicy Italian sausage for some protein and tons of flavor.
Be wary of the spice level that you prefer. Starting with 1/4 teaspoon of red chili flakes is a safe start and still plenty spicy. I would rather you have it be a little less spicy but still enjoyable, rather than too spicy to enjoy! Just add more to fit your taste!
If you make this simple spicy spaghetti and you love it, a comment and rating in the recipe box below would be amazing! Tag me on Instagram if you post a photo to social media, too. As always, feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions!
xx Sara
Spicy Spaghetti Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil
Ingredients
- 4 oz. dry Spaghetti
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil divided
- 1 1/2 cups Cherry Tomatoes* halved
- 1 large Shallot thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced Basil leaves**
- 1/4 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes*** or 1/2 tsp. for extra spicy
- Salt and Cracked Black Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Prepare spaghetti noodles according to package instructions, minus about one minute to make them al dente.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, pour in one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced shallots, halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon of the red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the vegetables until softened and slightly charred, about 6-7 minutes. (The tomatoes will start to fall apart, which is great! You want them to coat the noodles.)
- Stir in another tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is softened and very fragrant, about one minute. (For an extra spicy version, sprinkle in another 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.)
- Transfer the cooked noodles to the pan. Sprinkle in the finely chopped basil, and use tongs to toss all of the ingredients together.
- Drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the lemon juice. Toss the pasta together again. Taste and season with another pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper to taste. Serve immediately!
Notes
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Just made this recipe (Spicy Spaghetti) & it was SUPER DELICIOUS! All the fresh ingredients blended together perfectly especially the splash of lemon juice. Loved it!! A keeper for sure. Thank you so much.
Yaaa!! I’m so glad you loved it! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such an awesome comment, too! 😍