Description
A delightful and simple recipe for Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta that brings together the freshness of cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and savory Parmesan cheese, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, cook until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until tomatoes soften.
- Combine: Add drained pasta to skillet. Mix in basil, Parmesan, and balsamic vinegar. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning, serve hot topped with extra Parmesan and basil.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Enhance protein with grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
- For dairy-free, skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
