A simple and delicious pasta dish that can be made in no time. This quick and easy pasta recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. It features spaghetti tossed in a flavorful tomato sauce with garlic and red pepper flakes. Top it off with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
Sometimes, the best dinners are the simplest. When the day gets hectic and time is short, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta to bring everything back into balance. This quick spaghetti with tomato sauce is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to create something satisfying and full of flavor.
What makes this dish a go-to weeknight favorite is its effortless preparation. In the time it takes to boil water and cook the pasta, the sauce comes together in one pan. A gentle sauté of garlic in olive oil sets the foundation, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, let it simmer briefly, and you’ve got a sauce that’s rich, vibrant, and incredibly fragrant.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Keep it simple for a minimalist meal, or dress it up with extras like olives, capers, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes. If you have leftover veggies or a bit of cooked sausage in the fridge, toss them in for added texture and heartiness. No matter what, a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves will elevate the dish to something that feels special, even on the busiest of nights.
Spaghetti is the classic choice here, but this sauce works well with penne, linguine, or any pasta shape you prefer. The key is in the balance of flavors — the sweetness of the tomatoes, the subtle bite of garlic, and the bold kick from chili flakes. It’s a combination that always hits the spot.
Serve this pasta hot, with a slice of crusty bread or a light green salad on the side. It’s cozy, comforting, and guaranteed to please. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry family, this is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp basil chopped fresh
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated with the tomato sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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