Mangia e Bei Pasta Delight

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8oz) spaghetti 250g (8.8oz) spaghetti
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they start to break down and release their juices.
4. 4.
   Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the torn basil leaves and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce.
6. 6.
   Serve the Mangia e Bei Pasta Delight hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Use ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Basil — Tear the basil leaves just before adding them to the sauce to preserve their freshness and aroma.
• Spaghetti — Cook the spaghetti until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to change the texture and presentation of the dish.
• Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread to complete the meal.
• Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for Parmesan.

Serving advice

Serve the Mangia e Bei Pasta Delight as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad. Pair it with a glass of Italian red wine for a truly authentic dining experience.

Presentation advice

Garnish the pasta with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve it in a shallow pasta bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.