Method
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a frying pan over medium heat, add the olive oil. If you're using dry sun-dried tomatoes, sauté them in the oil for about 2 minutes until they soften.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the frying pan, stirring to combine.
Add the drained pasta to the pan, tossing it with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Season and Serve:
Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional cheese if desired.
Variations
Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese and include more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley for added flavor.
Tips and Substitutions
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, try using fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed until they burst.
Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
Low-Carb: Use spiralized zucchini (zoodles) instead of pasta for a low-carb version.