This basic pasta dish can be transformed by adding extras like cooked bacon, shrimp or even a few handfuls of baby spinach to the sauce. We like canned San Marzano plum tomatoes because they are slightly sweeter and less acidic than other varieties.

1.Cook the oil, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper flakes in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring, until the oil heats up and the garlic just starts to turn golden, 4 to 6 minutes.

2.Add the tomatoes; rinse the can with about 1 cup of water, and add the water to the skillet. Add the basil, raise the heat to medium-high and simmer until the sauce thickens, 15 to 20 minutes.

3.Meanwhile, add the spaghetti to the boiling water, and cook according to package directions; strain well.

4.Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, and stir to coat. Serve with Parmesan if desired.