Description
This Tomato Basil Pasta recipe is a simple, fresh, and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines al dente pasta with sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil. Enhanced with a touch of olive oil, red pepper flakes for subtle heat, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Finishing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
- Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the tomatoes for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and starting to release their juices.
- Combine Pasta and Tomatoes: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing it to combine with the tomatoes and garlic. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add Basil and Balsamic Vinegar: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and balsamic vinegar, if using. Cook for another minute until the basil is wilted.
- Finish with Parmesan Cheese: Remove the pan from heat, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, tossing everything to mix well. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra basil leaves and Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil, but reduce quantity as it is more concentrated.
- The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tang but can be omitted if preferred.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjust the sauce’s consistency and helps the sauce stick to pasta better.
