Loading...

Bring a large pot of salted water (using 1 tablespoon kosher salt) to a rolling boil over high heat.

Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Add the chopped fresh basil.

Toss the pasta with the sauce until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.


Bring a large pot of salted water (using 1 tablespoon kosher salt) to a rolling boil over high heat.

Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Add the chopped fresh basil.

Toss the pasta with the sauce until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
