Intermediate

Difficulty

$0

Costs

60 Minutes

Cooking time

10 Servings

Makes

Description

This classic Italian pasta dish is a perfect blend of simplicity and rich flavor. Al dente pasta is tossed in a homemade tomato sauce, infused with the aromatic essence of sautéed garlic and a hint of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal note, while grated Parmesan cheese melts into the dish, providing a savory, creamy finish. The result is a comforting, satisfying meal that embodies the essence of Italian cooking: quality ingredients, carefully prepared, to create something truly delicious.

Instructions

  • 1 . Cook the Pasta:
  • 2 . Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • 3 . Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
  • 4 . Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  • 5 . Prepare the Sauce:
  • 6 . In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • 7 . Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
  • 8 . Add the diced tomatoes, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • 9 . Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the flavors to meld.
  • 10 . Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  • 11 . Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce.
  • 12 . Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  • 13 . Stir in the fresh basil and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  • 14 . Serve:
  • 15 . Transfer the pasta to serving plates.
  • 16 . Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a few more basil leaves for garnish.
  • 17 . Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired.
  • 18 . Enjoy:
  • 19 . Serve the pasta hot, ideally with a side of crusty Italian bread and a glass of wine. Buon appetito!

Ingredients

    • Pasta: 400g of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)
    • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
    • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
    • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for a bit of heat)
    • Tomatoes: 400g canned or fresh, diced
    • Basil: 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
    • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated
    • Salt: to taste
    • Black pepper: to taste
    • Water: for boiling pasta