Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta: 1 Easy Italian Treat
A simple and delicious Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring burst cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to burst and soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomatoes.
- Toss to combine, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
- Stir in the torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a knob of butter at the end.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 5-7g
- Sodium: Approximately 300-500mg (depending on added salt)
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 3-5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 70-80g
- Fiber: Approximately 5-7g
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 5-10mg (without cheese)