Diced Tomato Marinara Pasta

Steps

1. 1. Cook the pasta

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
   • Add 12 oz pasta and cook 1 minute shy of package directions until al dente.
   • Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. 2. Simmer the sauce

   • While pasta cooks, mince 4 garlic cloves.
   • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add garlic and cook 45 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
   • Pour in 1 can diced tomatoes with juice, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
   • Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring and crushing tomatoes with a spoon, until the sauce thickens and looks glossy.

3. 3. Finish the dish

   • Add drained pasta to the sauce with 2 tbsp butter and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
   • Toss, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the noodles.
   • Taste and adjust salt.
   • Serve topped with torn basil and more Parmesan if desired.