Classic Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced 4 large 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, to taste Salt, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 63g, 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the 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. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and season with salt. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce.
4. 4.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the tomato sauce.
5. 5.
   Remove from heat and sprinkle torn basil leaves over the pasta. Toss gently to incorporate.
6. 6.
   Serve the tomato pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the sauce.
• Basil — Tear the basil leaves just before adding them to the pasta to preserve their freshness and aroma.
• Parmesan cheese — Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most authentic and flavorful experience.
• Spaghetti — Cook the spaghetti until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese to the tomato sauce.
• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
• Enhance the flavor by adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of dried oregano to the finished dish.
• To make it a heartier meal, you can add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the tomato pasta hot, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty Italian bread. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Garnish the pasta with a few whole basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. Serve it in a shallow pasta bowl to showcase the vibrant red color of the sauce.