Italian-Style Tomato Basil Pasta

Ingredients

• 180 g spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup (240 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste(optional)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano(optional)
• 1 tbsp basil (fresh or dried)
• 1/4 tsp salt(optional)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper(optional)
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 10 minutes; reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant, then stir in crushed tomatoes (and tomato paste if using), oregano, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

3. 3

   Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Stir in the basil.

4. 4

   Add the drained spaghetti to the pan and toss well. Loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water as needed, then serve immediately.