This is the one dish that all Italian men know how to make. It's also quite popular as a late night snack among friends, say after a night out at the theater. To serve 4-6 you will need:

Bring 6 quarts of lightly salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Meanwhile, mince the garlic, crumble the red pepper, and sauté them in the oil until the garlic begins to brown. Turn off the heat (the garlic will continue to brown; you don't want it to overbrown and become bitter).

When the spaghetti are done, drain them well, transfer them to a bowl, and stir the sauce into them. Serve with grated Parmigiano on the side; some people like it. The wine? A white, from the Castelli Romani.

Serves 4 to 6