Description
Succulent cherry tomato pasta brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate, offering a quick and delightful culinary experience. Fresh herbs and garlic create a light, aromatic sauce that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 5.5 oz (160g) spaghetti pasta
- 14 oz (400g) cherry tomatoes or baby grape tomatoes (mixed colors optional)
- 2 large garlic cloves
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- Salt to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Red pepper flakes
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare a fragrant base by gently sautéing minced garlic in extra virgin olive oil over low heat. Incorporate red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown.
- Halve or quarter cherry tomatoes depending on their size. Transfer to the pan with the garlic-infused oil and season generously. Cook over medium heat until tomatoes begin to soften and release their natural juices.
- Simultaneously, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta approximately 2 minutes shy of the package’s recommended al dente time.
- While tomatoes develop, use a wooden spoon to gently crush some, encouraging a rich, rustic sauce. Introduce a ladle of pasta water to create a silky, cohesive texture.
- Transfer slightly undercooked pasta directly into the tomato mixture. Splash additional pasta water to enhance sauce consistency. Tear fresh basil leaves and fold into the pan.
- Continuously toss the pasta, allowing it to finish cooking within the sauce. Adjust liquid as needed to maintain a glossy, smooth texture. Sprinkle parmesan cheese, stirring to integrate fully.
- Perform a final seasoning check. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan. Serve piping hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- Prevent Garlic Burning Always start with low heat when sautéing garlic to avoid bitter, scorched flavors that can ruin the entire dish.
- Customize Tomato Texture Choose between halving or quartering cherry tomatoes based on their size and your preferred sauce consistency.
- Boost Sauce Richness Reserve pasta water before draining, as its starchy liquid helps create a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Enhance Flavor Flexibility For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or crispy pancetta during the final tossing stage without disrupting the recipe’s simplicity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg