No red pepper flakes?

Question

I want to make a pasta sauce that calls for red pepper flakes, but I'm out. What spice can I use instead?

Answer 1

Cayenne or a couple of drop of tabasco sauce.

Answer 2

I would use cayenne, but be careful with it because a little goes a long way.

Answer 3

cayenne pepper.

Answer 4

any hot sauce, or red pepper powder will work.

If you use hot sauce, keep in mind that there is a lot of vinegar in these, so it may alter the flavor of your sauce.

If you don't have the flakes, but still want the heat, try adding some hot sauce to the pasta water, this will impart the taste and heat directly into the pasta.