If you're craving a taste of Italy that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, look no further than this delightful Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a dish that transforms fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes into a vibrant sauce that clings to perfectly cooked spaghetti. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to savor the essence of summer with every bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, gently pressing some tomatoes to release their juices and create a light sauce.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
- Transfer the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help create a silky sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately, offering grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle on top.
Tips
- Perfectly Salted Water: Don’t skimp on the salt when boiling your pasta—this is your chance to infuse flavor right into the spaghetti! Aim for a water that tastes like the sea.
- Timing is Key: Start preparing your sauce while the pasta cooks to save time. The goal is to have everything ready to combine as soon as the spaghetti is drained.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always remember to reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water is a secret weapon for achieving a silky sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest cherry tomatoes and basil you can find. The vibrant flavors of fresh ingredients will elevate your dish to another level.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot, so serve it right away to capture the delightful textures and flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
