Tomato and Balsamic Pasta

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this vibrant Tomato and Balsamic Pasta, a dish that perfectly balances simplicity and sophistication. Bursting with fresh flavors, this recipe features al dente spaghetti tossed in a velvety blend of sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a splash of tangy balsamic vinegar, creating a rich, slightly sweet sauce. Fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese enhance the dish with herbaceous and savory notes, while optional red chili flakes can add a gentle kick of heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant dinner party. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 g spaghetti
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves
• 350 g cherry tomatoes
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 15 g fresh basil leaves
• 50 g parmesan cheese
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

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 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Finely mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Add the balsamic vinegar to the skillet and stir well. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the flavor.

Step 6

Tear or chop the fresh basil leaves and add them to the skillet, reserving a few for garnish. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the tomato and balsamic mixture. If the pasta seems too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 8

Grate the parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over the pasta. Toss to combine and season with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, add red chili flakes for a bit of heat.

Step 9

Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh basil leaves and a bit of extra grated parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	805.4 grams (805.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1163

Total Fat 60.00g	77%
Saturated Fat 16.20g	81%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Sodium 2716mg	118%
Total Carbohydrate 118.00g	43%
Dietary Fiber 11.00g	39%
Total Sugars 16.80g
Protein 38.00g	76%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 580mg	45%
Iron 8mg	44%
Potassium 1153mg	25%

*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: 46.4%

Protein: 13.1%

Carbs: 40.5%