Absolutely Delicious and Simple Tomato Basil and Garlic Pasta
Indulge in the vibrant simplicity of this Absolutely Delicious and Simple Tomato Basil and Garlic Pasta, a recipe that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 25 minutes. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed in a fragrant sauce of sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves, all brought together with rich extra virgin olive oil. The dish is elevated with a touch of optional red chili flakes for a subtle kick and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added creaminess. With its minimal prep and wholesome ingredients, this pasta recipe is a perfect choice for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. Serve it as a standalone masterpiece or pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
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Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti
- 300 g cherry tomatoes
- 20 g fresh basil leaves
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 50 g Parmesan cheese (grated, optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, cut the cherry tomatoes in half and set them aside. Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce.
Step 5
Season the tomato mixture with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Step 6
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce seems dry, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 7
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves, tearing them slightly as you add them. Toss to distribute the basil evenly.
Step 8
Optional: Sprinkle the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 849.1 grams (849.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1405 |
| Total Fat 74.50g | 96% |
| Saturated Fat 18.00g | 90% |
| Cholesterol 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium 3144mg | 137% |
| Total Carbohydrate 142.60g | 52% |
| Dietary Fiber 12.30g | 44% |
| Total Sugars 11.60g | |
| Protein 46.50g | 93% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 686mg | 53% |
| Iron 9mg | 49% |
| Potassium 1063mg | 23% |
Source of Calories