Spicy Tomato Garlic Penne

Ingredients

• 180 g penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup tomato passata (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (optional)(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil a pot of salted water. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente (about 10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, then stir in chili flakes and cumin for 15–20 seconds.

3. 3

   Add passata (or crushed tomatoes) to the pan, season with salt and black pepper, and simmer for about 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. 4

   Add the drained penne to the sauce. Toss to coat, loosening with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice. Garnish with cilantro if using, then serve.