Spicy Pasta Recipe

This a variant of the Puttanesca recipe, also known as "whore's pasta," - the name of this healthy pasta dish originated in Naples after the local women of the night.

Ingredients:

5-6 cups fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and crushed (or use two 28-ounce cans Italian tomatoes, drained and crushed)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1 1/2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons black olives (Kalamata or oil-cured), pitted and chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, minced
4 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
1 pound dried penne pasta
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, olive oil, red pepper flakes, capers, olives, garlic and basil. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

2. Cook the pasta in rapidly boiling water until al dente. Drain well.

3. Toss the hot pasta with the tomato mixture. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Nutrients Per Serving
• Calories: 418.5
• Protein: 17.8 grams
• Fat: 8.7 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3.1 grams
• Monounsat Fat: 3.5 grams
• Polyunsat Fat: 1.2 grams
• Carbohydrate: 67.0 grams
• Fiber: 5.2 grams
• Cholesterol: 13.9 mg
• Calcium: 210.4 mg

Also see: Low Calorie Cooking Tips!