Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato and Basil Sauce

Ingredients

• Spaghetti (12 ounces)
• Fresh tomatoes (4 cups, diced)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Fresh basil (1/2 cup, chopped)
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices, creating a fresh sauce.
4. Season the tomato sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce, ensuring every strand is infused with the delicious flavors.
6. Remove from heat and gently stir in the chopped fresh basil, allowing the heat to release its essential oils and aroma.
7. Serve the spaghetti hot, topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra black pepper for added flavor.