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Delicious Pasta

Seasoned recipe · Published October 30, 2026

A quick garlic and tomato pasta with olive oil, basil and Parmesan. A reliable weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or penne
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt, plus more for the pasta water
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more to serve
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Method

1. Boil pasta in well-salted water until 1 minute short of package time. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Meanwhile heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Cook garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute until fragrant, not browned.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, salt and sugar. Simmer 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add pasta and 1/4 cup pasta water to the sauce. Toss over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, adding more water if needed.
5. Stir in basil and Parmesan. Serve with extra Parmesan.

Tips

• The starchy pasta water is what makes the sauce cling to the noodles. Don't skip it.

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