Description
Tomato Basil Pasta is a fresh and comforting dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed with blistered tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese. A light, silky sauce coats every strand for a simple yet flavorful meal.
Ingredients
450 g spaghetti or spaghettini
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon salted butter
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup fresh basil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until blistered and softened.
- Stir in the garlic, butter, and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss everything together, adding more pasta water as needed until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Use whole wheat pasta for a more nutritious variation.
Stir in fresh spinach during the final toss for added color and nutrients.
Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Add fresh mozzarella pearls for a creamy twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boil and Saute
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 556 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 92 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
