The Best Yumblink Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Hey friends! If you’re craving something warm, flavorful, and just a little spicy, this Chili Crunch Pasta is perfect for those chilly days when all you want is comfort in a bowl. The combination of chili crunch, fresh mozzarella, and sweet San Marzano tomatoes creates a savory, satisfying dish that’s sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s easy to make, and you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Method
1. Heat up the oil
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. The oil is going to carry the flavors, so this step is crucial! Once the oil is hot, you’ll notice a slight shimmer on the surface, signaling that it’s ready for the next step.
2. Cook the shallots and garlic
Add the minced shallot and thinly sliced garlic to the skillet. Stir them around and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. The shallots should turn soft and translucent, and the garlic will release a fragrant aroma. This step is important because it builds the base flavor of the sauce, giving it a nice, aromatic foundation.
3. Add chili crunch
Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of chili crunch. This is where the magic happens this spicy, flavorful paste will infuse the oil and garlic, creating a rich, zesty base for the sauce. Let it cook for an additional minute, allowing the chili crunch to release its full flavor into the oil.
4. Stir in tomatoes
Now, it’s time to bring in the star ingredient San Marzano tomatoes! Pour in 1 can (28 oz) of whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand. As you crush the tomatoes with your hands, you’ll notice the texture change, becoming a slightly chunky, juicy sauce. Stir everything together, making sure the chili crunch and tomato mixture are well combined. The sweetness of the tomatoes paired with the chili crunch gives the sauce its unique balance of heat and sweetness.
5. Simmer the sauce
Once your tomatoes are in, take a small bunch of basil and place it directly on top of the sauce. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes. This is where the flavors come together, and the sauce thickens. You’ll see the tomatoes break down more, and the basil will release its aromatic oils into the sauce. The longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors meld, so don’t rush this step!
6. Cook the pasta
While your sauce is simmering away, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to save a couple of tablespoons of pasta water before draining! The reserved pasta water will help you adjust the sauce’s consistency later, making it smoother and better able to coat the pasta.
7. Combine and bake
After the sauce has simmered to perfection, remove the basil bunch and stir in salt and pepper to taste. The next step is to mix your cooked pasta into the sauce. Add the pasta along with a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, and stir it all together. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce, making every bite deliciously flavorful. Then, top the pasta with sliced fresh mozzarella. Place the skillet in the oven, set to broil, and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the mozzarella is melted and slightly browned on top. This step will give your pasta that beautiful, cheesy crust we all love!
8. Garnish and serve
Once your skillet is out of the oven, it’s time to garnish! Sprinkle on a little more basil for freshness and extra flavor. Add some more chili crunch if you like it extra spicy, and serve your Chili Crunch Pasta right away. Enjoy the crispy, creamy goodness!
Necessary Tools
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Pasta pot
- Strainer
- Knife and cutting board
Chili Crunch Pasta
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
30
minutesTotal time
40
minutesIngredients
1/2 box pasta (your favorite kind)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, sliced thin
2 tbsp chili crunch + more for garnish
1 28oz can of whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
Salt & pepper to taste
Small bunch of basil + more for garnish
8oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
Directions
- Heat up the oil Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. This is where all the flavor magic happens!
- Cook the shallots and garlic Add your minced shallot and sliced garlic. Let them cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll start to smell that irresistible aroma!
- Add chili crunch Stir in 2 tablespoons of chili crunch, and let it cook for another minute. This will give the sauce a nice spicy kick that’s the star of the dish.
- Stir in tomatoes Now, add your hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes to the skillet. These tomatoes are sweet and juicy, giving the sauce a rich, fresh flavor.
- Simmer the sauce Toss a small bunch of basil on top, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. This step really helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Cook the pasta While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water for later it’s perfect for adjusting the sauce texture.
- Combine and bake Once your sauce is done, remove the basil bunch. Stir in salt and pepper to taste. Then, add the cooked pasta and a couple of tablespoons of pasta water. Mix everything together, and top with sliced fresh mozzarella. Place the skillet in the oven to broil for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish and serve Once out of the oven, sprinkle on a little more basil and chili crunch for an extra burst of flavor. Serve up your delicious pasta and enjoy the cozy goodness!
Notes
- Don’t skip the simmering Letting the sauce simmer for the full 20 minutes is key to developing deep flavors. Patience is key!
- Watch the broil Broiling the pasta is quick, so keep an eye on it. You want the cheese to melt and bubble but not burn.
- Adjust pasta water If your sauce gets too thick after adding the pasta, a little pasta water will help bring it back to that perfect saucy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Chili Crunch Pasta is great on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple side salad, some garlic bread, or even roasted veggies to complete the meal. If you’re feeling fancy, top it with some freshly grated parmesan for an extra creamy finish.
Fun Fact
Did you know that San Marzano tomatoes are often considered the best tomatoes for making sauce? Grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius in Italy, these tomatoes have a unique sweetness and low acidity that make them perfect for pasta sauces.
Conclusion
This Chili Crunch Pasta is one of those dishes that will keep you coming back for more. With its bold flavors, creamy mozzarella, and satisfying pasta, it’s the perfect recipe for a cozy night in. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to be a winner. Grab your ingredients, heat up that oven, and enjoy every bite!
