Description
Cherry tomato pasta is a light and flavorful dish made with sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. Quick to prepare and bursting with freshness, it’s a perfect meal for any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, not browned.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they blister and burst.
- Gently press tomatoes with a spoon to release juices and create a sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to combine.
- Stir in fresh basil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute grape tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are unavailable.
- Use vegan Parmesan or skip cheese for a vegan version.
- Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or sautéed vegetables for variation.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
- Use reserved pasta water to control sauce consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
