Ingredients
Scale
- 400g spaghetti – the perfect base for this alluring dish
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – adds depth and pungency
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for a rich, flavorful foundation
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes – to give that assassin kick
- 1 can diced tomatoes (400g) – the tomato essence that forms the sauce
- Fresh basil leaves – for a fragrant herbal touch
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential seasoning
- Optional: a splash of balsamic vinegar – for added complexity
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside, saving a cup of pasta water to enhance the sauce if needed.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Then, add the red chili flakes and sauté for 30 seconds to release their heat.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. For richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar if desired. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before mixing with the cooked spaghetti.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil for visual appeal and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best aromatic flavor.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness and depth.
- Adjust the chili flakes to control the spice level according to taste.
- This dish pairs well with crusty garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 175g)
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg