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Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

This quick and delicious Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes recipe combines al dente spaghetti with a flavorful sauce made from sautéed cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a light yet satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti

Sauce

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for serving)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Prepare the tomato sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes, then cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Using the back of a spoon or a potato masher, gently mash the tomatoes to release their juices and continue cooking until the tomatoes burst and form a sauce, about 5 more minutes.
  3. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water little by little until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  4. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency.
  • You can substitute spaghetti with any other long pasta such as linguine or fettuccine.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
  • For a vegan option, omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Find it online: http://bitezly.com/pasta-with-cherry-tomatoes-and-basil-recipe/