Spicy Ziti Marinara

This dish features tender pasta in a fun commingling of spicy marinara and jalapeño-spiked Mexican cheese. The sauce is seasoned with pesto and herbs, so it's an explosion of flavor from the first creamy bite to the last.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Diet Vegetarian

Keyword jalapeno, mexican cheese, pesto, spicy tomato sauce, ziti

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 600kcal

Author Robin Miller

Ingredients

1 pound ziti or pasta shape of choice
28- ounce can tomato sauce or diced or crushed tomatoes, or tomato puree
2 tablespoons prepared basil pesto
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more/less to taste, plus more for serving
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend with jalapeños or a blend of mozzarella cheese and pepper jack cheese
Grated or shredded parmesan cheese for serving
Fresh basil for serving optional

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and cover with foil to keep warm.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, pesto, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Set the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the pasta and stir to coat and heat through. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Spoon the pasta into shallow bowls and top with the Mexican cheese. Top with fresh basil, if using, and serve with parmesan cheese on the side.

Nutrition