Creamy Tomato Pasta

First, prepare the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, add 2 teaspoons of salt, add the pasta, and cook for 10–12 minutes over medium heat or according to package directions. After cooking, drain the pasta. Before draining, however, pour a little of the pasta water into a mug.

Meanwhile, peel the onion and garlic. Then finely chop the onion and press the garlic.

In a deep pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion to the hot oil and sauté for 2–3 minutes over low to medium heat. Add the pressed garlic and chili flakes to the onion and sauté for 30–60 seconds over low to medium heat. Add the tomato paste and sauté for another 1 minute over low to medium heat. Then pour in 200 ml of cooking cream, add cayenne pepper and finely chopped fresh basil, and cook everything over low to medium heat for another 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally.