Delicious Tomato Basil Pasta Ready in Just 25 Minutes
This Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that celebrates fresh ingredients and elevates your weeknight meals.
Equipment
- large pot
- skillet
- Colander
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta Use spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta you love for this Tomato Basil Pasta.
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil This adds a rich flavor and helps sauté the garlic beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives the dish a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes A pinch adds a gentle heat, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved Sweet cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, making them perfect for this dish.
- Salt Essential for enhancing the overall taste; season to your liking.
- Freshly ground black pepper Essential for enhancing the overall taste; season to your liking.
For the Garnish
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped Fresh basil is the star ingredient, offering a vibrant taste and aroma.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese This adds a creamy richness that complements the dish wonderfully.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar A drizzle at the end gives a tangy complexity to the flavors.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding a generous amount of salt. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Carefully add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Turn down the heat and stir in chopped basil leaves and balsamic vinegar, if using. Cook for another minute until basil wilts.
- Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss gently to mix, allowing cheese to melt slightly.
- Transfer Tomato Basil Pasta to plates or a serving bowl. Garnish with extra basil leaves and Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, store and reheat leftovers gently to maintain flavor and texture. Fresh basil should be added at the end of cooking for a vibrant taste.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg
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