Description
This Easy Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta is a bright, fresh, and flavorful dish that comes together in only 15 minutes. Sweet cherry tomatoes burst in olive oil with garlic, coating thin pasta in a light, silky sauce. With fresh basil and Parmesan on top, it’s the perfect quick meal for busy days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz angel hair pasta (or spaghetti)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, sliced
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Burst the Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring gently, until tomatoes soften and begin to burst.
- Toss the Pasta: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss well to coat. Add a splash of pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Add Basil: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Finish & Serve: Top with freshly grated Parmesan if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh basil for the best flavor. If the sauce feels dry, add more reserved pasta water. For added richness, finish with a drizzle of extra olive oil or add a spoonful of butter at the end.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg