Spicy Pomodoro SauceSpicy Pomodoro Sauce

Step 1

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and allow it to sizzle in the oil for 30 seconds.

Step 2

Add the shallot and red Fresno chili pepper. Tilt the pan toward you and base the aromatics in oil for 1-2 minutes until very fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3

Add the tomatoes to the oil and stir to incorporate. Add a big pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes until thickened and reduced. Add a splash of water, if necessary, if the tomatoes stick or reduce too quickly. Taste and season to your preferences.

Step 4

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Scoop out 1 cup of the pasta water and set it aside.

Step 5

Drain the spaghetti and set aside. Note: Time this so the sauce has finished simmering before the spaghetti is done cooking.

Step 6

Add half of the reserved pasta cooking water to the tomato sauce and stir to incorporate. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until completely smooth. Taste and season to your preferences.

Step 7

Add the spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. Add more of the pasta cooking water, as necessary, to loosen up the sauce and to help the sauce stick to the spaghetti. Turn off the heat.

Step 8

Divide the spaghetti between plates and serve with your choice of garnishes, such as fresh basil, parsley, or grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Step 9

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and allow it to sizzle in the oil for 30 seconds.

Step 10

Add the shallot and red Fresno chili pepper. Tilt the pan toward you and base the aromatics in oil for 1-2 minutes until very fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 11

Add the tomatoes to the oil and stir to incorporate. Add a big pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes until thickened and reduced. Add a splash of water, if necessary, if the tomatoes stick or reduce too quickly. Taste and season to your preferences.

Step 12

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Scoop out 1 cup of the pasta water and set it aside.

Step 13

Drain the spaghetti and set aside. Note: Time this so the sauce has finished simmering before the spaghetti is done cooking.

Step 14

Add half of the reserved pasta cooking water to the tomato sauce and stir to incorporate. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until completely smooth. Taste and season to your preferences.

Step 15

Add the spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. Add more of the pasta cooking water, as necessary, to loosen up the sauce and to help the sauce stick to the spaghetti. Turn off the heat.

Step 16

Divide the spaghetti between plates and serve with your choice of garnishes, such as fresh basil, parsley, or grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!