Are you craving a mouthwatering pasta dish that's incredibly easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors? Look no further! This simple yet sensational Pasta with Olive Oil, Fresh Herbs, and Tomatoes is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes. Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, glistening with fragrant olive oil, studded with juicy cherry tomatoes, and sprinkled with vibrant, aromatic herbs – all without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g pasta
- 300g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While the water is heating, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Gently rinse and finely chop the fresh basil and parsley leaves.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until it reaches al dente consistency.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare a large serving bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the bowl and add the halved cherry tomatoes.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Immediately transfer the hot pasta to the bowl with tomatoes. Add the remaining olive oil, chopped basil, and parsley.
- Toss the pasta gently to combine all ingredients. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of herbs and seasoning.
- Serve immediately in individual plates, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like seawater to properly season the pasta from within.
- Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- Use the freshest herbs possible. If you can, pick basil and parsley right before cooking for maximum flavor.
- Cook pasta just until al dente - it should have a slight bite in the center. Overcooking will make your pasta mushy.
- Toss the pasta while it's still hot to help the herbs and olive oil release their maximum flavor and aroma.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a small minced garlic clove or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste, as it's a key flavor component in this simple dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
