Tuscan spaghetti

Tuscan spaghetti typically features simple yet flavorful ingredients common in Tuscan cuisine. Here’s a basic recipe to give you a taste of Tuscany:

Ingredients:

• 350g spaghetti
• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
2. While the spaghetti cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until garlic is golden, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and their juices. Simmer for about 10 minutes, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon as they cook.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the chopped basil. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

This dish is simple yet bursting with flavor, perfect for a cozy Tuscan-inspired meal at home. Enjoy!