If you are craving a pasta dish that is bursting with bold flavors and comforting warmth, then you absolutely must try this Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of slow-cooked garlic infused in olive oil, fiery red pepper flakes, and rich crushed tomatoes, all coming together in a silky, aromatic sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into an unforgettable meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this dish brings the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and herbaceous freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in creating the depth and complexity that make this dish truly special. From the mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic to the vibrant punch of fresh basil, each component adds a layer of taste, texture, or color that will bring this pasta to life.
- Olive oil: The foundation for infusing garlic and red pepper flakes, providing richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Slow-cooked until golden and tender, garlic adds a natural sweetness and mellow aroma essential for the confit.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat that elevates the flavor without overpowering the dish, adjustable according to your spice preference.
- Crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce, delivering a bright acidity and robust tomato flavor that balances the rich garlic oil.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors and bring harmony to the sauce.
- Spaghetti or preferred pasta: The perfect vessel for soaking up the luscious sauce, best cooked al dente for texture.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds a pop of green color and fresh, herby brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional but highly recommended for a savory, umami finish that rounds out the dish beautifully.
How to Make Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Slow-Roasting the Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C), the perfect low temperature to gently coax out the sweetness from your garlic cloves. Combine olive oil, peeled garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small oven-safe dish. The slow roasting process softens the garlic to buttery perfection while infusing the oil with spicy, garlicky goodness that forms the heart of the sauce.
Step 2: Preparing the Garlic Confit
Allow the garlic to cook in the oven for a full hour. This patient step is worth every minute, transforming raw garlic into soft, golden gems infused with the warmth of red pepper flakes. Once ready, remove the garlic from the oil and mash it lightly with a fork to release its luscious texture into the sauce.
Step 3: Crafting the Sauce
Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the crushed tomatoes along with the mashed garlic and a generous splash of the chili-infused confit oil. Let this simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors while seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simmering stage thickens the sauce slightly and deepens its rich, vibrant taste.
Step 4: Cooking the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Remember to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, which will be your secret weapon for loosening the sauce and helping it cling perfectly to every noodle.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Toss the drained pasta directly into the saucepan with your spicy tomato garlic sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick, ensuring an irresistibly silky texture. Finally, stir through the chopped fresh basil and drizzle with some of the garlic confit oil to amplify the flavor and add that glossy finish that makes this dish truly shine.
Step 6: Serving the Pasta
Serve your Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta piping hot, and offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side for an optional touch of nutty richness. This dish is a vibrant celebration of simple ingredients elevated to extraordinary heights.
How to Serve Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a must for their bright, peppery notes and lively green color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely salty counterpoint, while a few red pepper flakes can also be scattered on top for those who adore an extra kick.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or serve alongside garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables also make an excellent accompaniment to balance the spicy and garlicky richness of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, drizzle a bit of the garlic confit oil across the plate just before serving, and add a few whole confit garlic cloves on top for a rustic, elegant look. You might also pile the pasta onto warm bowls and finish with a fresh basil sprig to create a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta Recipe to cool before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sauce separately in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then toss with freshly cooked pasta for optimal texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or reserved pasta water to bring back the sauce’s silky consistency. Microwaving works well too, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level in the Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! The red pepper flakes are fully customizable. Add more if you love heat or reduce the amount for a milder flavor that still boasts plenty of garlicky goodness.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Traditional spaghetti is ideal for this recipe because it allows the sauce to coat each strand beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as linguine or penne.
Is the garlic confit oil reusable?
Yes, the flavorful oil infused with garlic and spices can be stored and reused for dressings, sautéeing vegetables, or adding extra flavor to other dishes, but use it within a week and keep refrigerated.
Can I make the garlic confit on the stovetop instead of the oven?
You can gently simmer the garlic in olive oil on very low heat on the stovetop, but be careful not to burn the garlic. The oven method is preferred for consistent low-temperature cooking.
Does this recipe freeze well with pasta included?
It’s better to freeze only the sauce because pasta texture can suffer after freezing. Reheat the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta Recipe is such a treasure to have in your culinary repertoire. With its seductive blend of slow-cooked garlic, spicy red pepper flakes, and luscious tomato sauce, it delivers a comforting yet exciting meal that’s perfect any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how these simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular and heartwarming.
Print
Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish combining slow-cooked garlic in olive oil with spicy crushed tomatoes and fresh basil. The garlic confit infuses the sauce with a rich, mellow sweetness balanced by red pepper flakes for a gentle heat. Perfectly cooked spaghetti is tossed in this vibrant sauce and finished with optional Parmesan for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Garlic Confit
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to prepare for slow-cooking the garlic confit.
- Prepare Garlic Confit: In a small oven-safe dish, combine olive oil, peeled garlic cloves, and red pepper flakes ensuring they are submerged in the oil.
- Cook Garlic Confit: Place the dish in the oven and cook for 1 hour, until the garlic cloves are soft, golden, and infused the oil with flavor.
- Mash Garlic: Carefully remove the garlic cloves from the oil and mash them lightly with a fork to prepare for the sauce.
- Make Tomato Sauce: Heat a saucepan over medium heat, then add the crushed tomatoes along with the mashed garlic and some of the garlic confit oil. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the tomato garlic sauce, tossing well to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
- Add Basil and Oil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and drizzle with some more of the garlic confit oil for added richness and aroma.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, for a delightful finishing touch.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
- You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you like.
- The garlic confit oil can be saved and used as a flavorful dressing or for cooking other dishes.
- Parmesan is optional but adds a nice salty richness to the dish.
