Balsamic Tomato Basil Pasta

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and flavorful Balsamic Tomato Basil Pasta, a dish that’s as easy as it is irresistible. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed in a medley of sautéed cherry tomatoes, bold balsamic vinegar, and fragrant garlic, creating a rich and tangy sauce that bursts with freshness. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while chopped basil infuses the pasta with herbaceous goodness. Finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for creamy indulgence, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights. With its simple ingredients and fresh appeal, this pasta masterpiece is a true celebration of Mediterranean flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 cups fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.25 cups parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 4

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Stir in the balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 2 minutes and combine with the tomatoes.

Step 6

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the balsamic tomato sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil.

Step 8

Serve immediately, topped with grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	903.1 grams (903.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1285

Total Fat 62.40g	80%
Saturated Fat 17.90g	89%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 47mg	16%
Sodium 2113mg	92%
Total Carbohydrate 130.20g	47%
Dietary Fiber 12.50g	45%
Total Sugars 15.70g
Protein 48.10g	96%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 869mg	67%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 1274mg	27%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.1%

Protein: 15.1%

Carbs: 40.9%