Description
A simple and flavorful Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe featuring a vibrant tomato sauce made from burst cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes (Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes that are bright in color for the best flavor.)
- 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil (This high-quality oil adds richness and depth to the dish.)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a robust aroma and taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional) (For those who enjoy a bit of heat.)
- to taste Salt (Essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.)
- to taste Black pepper (Essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.)
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil, chopped (Adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.)
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) (For a nutty, savory finish.)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Sauté garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Cook tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to burst.
- Drain pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the cherry tomato sauce.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Gently toss the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to create a silky consistency.
- Add basil and adjust seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Red pepper flakes are optional for added heat.
- Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish but can be omitted for a lighter meal.
- Fresh basil is essential for the aroma and freshness of the dish.
