Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water then drain the pasta.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, olives, capers. anchovies and red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, sugar and about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4

Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick add a bit more of the pasta water to thin it out.

Step 5

Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if preferred.