Spicy & Savory Tomato Pasta with a Kick of Cheongyang Pepper
#SpicyPasta #OnePotMeal #TomatoPasta #CheongyangPepperPasta #EasyRecipe
This is a tomato pasta recipe with a delightful twist, perfect for those who love a bit of heat! The secret ingredient, Cheongyang chili pepper, adds an adult-friendly spice that will awaken your taste buds. Enjoy a hearty bowl filled with chewy pasta, succulent shrimp, savory bacon, and aromatic mushrooms. It’s truly a fantastic one-bowl meal that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor.
Essential Ingredients- 2 servings pasta
- 2 ladles of store-bought tomato sauce (approx. 200ml)
- 15 cocktail shrimp
- 5 strips of bacon
- 3 button mushrooms
- 1-2 Cheongyang chili peppers
- 1/2 onion
- 5-7 cloves whole garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of coarse salt. Once boiling, add the pasta for 2 servings and cook for about 7-8 minutes, or 1 minute less than the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a ladle of the pasta water. This reserved water will help emulsify the sauce later.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, heat a pan over medium heat with a splash of olive oil (optional). Add the bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces, and cook until golden brown and slightly crispy, rendering its fat. Once the bacon is nicely browned, add the finely chopped Cheongyang chili peppers and sauté until fragrant. Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your spice preference.
Step 3
When the bacon and chili peppers are fragrant, add the thinly sliced whole garlic cloves and the sliced onion. Sauté until the onions become translucent, releasing their sweetness. Next, add the defrosted cocktail shrimp and cook just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Step 4
Add the cooked pasta and the reserved half ladle of pasta water to the pan with the sautéed ingredients. Gently toss to combine. If you don’t have pasta water, a little plain water can be used, but pasta water adds more flavor and helps create a silky sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of black pepper and toss again.
Step 5
Generously add 2 ladles of store-bought tomato sauce to the pan. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry quickly, ensuring the sauce coats the pasta and other ingredients evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 6
I added button mushrooms to this recipe, and they provided a wonderful chewy texture! However, the pasta is delicious even without them. Simply plate the finished spicy tomato pasta in a serving bowl, and you have a fantastic meal for a casual dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
