Pasta alla Carrettiera

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, about 8 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.

Step 2

Slice each garlic clove thinly lengthwise (so you get flat, thin slices like playing cards, not rounds), then arrange them in a small pile next to your stove.

Step 3

If using a fresh red chili pepper, slice it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds with the tip of a knife, and cut it into 3–4 small pieces.

Step 4

Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet and place it over medium heat for 60 seconds until the oil shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the pan.

Step 5

Add the sliced garlic and chili pieces to the hot oil and stir constantly with a wooden spoon for 30 seconds until the garlic smells strongly fragrant (do not let it brown).

Step 6

Pour the entire can of tomatoes into the skillet, breaking apart the whole tomatoes with the wooden spoon into roughly 1-inch pieces as they fall into the oil.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer, stirring once every 45 seconds, for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly and smells concentrated.

Step 8

While the sauce simmers, carefully place the spaghetti into the boiling water and stir once with a wooden spoon to separate the strands.

Step 9

Cook the pasta according to the package directions (usually 9–11 minutes) until it bends easily but still has a slight firmness when you bite a strand.

Step 10

Taste the sauce and add 0.25 teaspoon of pepper and more salt if needed—it should taste bold and slightly spicy.

Step 11

Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 0.5 cup of the starchy cooking water in a small bowl.

Step 12

Pour the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for 30 seconds until evenly coated.

Step 13

If the pasta looks dry, splash in a few tablespoons of the reserved cooking water and stir until the sauce clings to each strand in a light, glossy coat.

Step 14

Divide the pasta equally between two bowls or plates and serve immediately while steaming hot.