easy spaghetti

1 28-oz. can Italian tomatoes
8 oz. spaghetti (that's like 1/2 a 1-lb. package)
4 TBS olive oil
4 cloves garlic
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c. fresh basil
parmesan cheese
ricotta cheese (optional)

cook spaghetti until al dente. blend tomatoes in the blender. heat oil and garlic over medium heat and cook about 30 seconds. add red pepper flakes and salt. increase heat to high and add tomatoes and cook 5-6 minutes. drain pasta reserving 1 cup of pasta water in case sauce gets too thick. add pasta to sauch and cook until sauch clings to pasta, about 3-4 minutes. stir in pasta and top with parmesan or ricotta cheese.