Ingredients
Scale
Gathering the right ingredients is like assembling the pieces of a puzzle, each one contributing to the masterpiece that is this pasta dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 ounces of angel hair pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
If you prefer a bit of variation, feel free to swap the diced tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a sweeter taste, or add a handful of spinach for extra greens. Mama Lou always said that a recipe is a canvas, and it’s up to the cook to paint it with their own flavors.
Instructions
Cooking this dish is a rhythmic dance of flavors and aromas, much like the afternoons spent in Mama Lou’s kitchen. Follow these steps to recreate that magic:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as Mama Lou would always remind us that patience is key.
- Add the diced tomatoes, including their juices, to the skillet. Stir in the basil leaves and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally, and imagine Mama Lou’s gentle humming as she cooked.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the strands with the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta absorbs the flavors.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International