Tomato Basil Pasta

Ingredients

• •12 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta
• •4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
• •1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• •3 cloves garlic, minced
• •1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• •1/2 tsp salt
• •1/4 tsp black pepper
• •1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• •1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. 2

   Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

3. 3

   While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

4. 4

   Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

5. 5

   Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, along with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

6. 6

   Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

7. 7

   Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.

8. 8

   Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.