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Savory Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta in Under 20 Minutes Recipe

Savory Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta in Under 20 Minutes Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

A quick and flavorful Savory Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta recipe that brings together ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a hint of chili flakes for a perfect weeknight meal ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 200 grams Spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape)

For the Sauce

  • 300 grams Cherry Tomatoes (ripe and soft for sweetness)
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin for best flavor)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (whole or mashed according to preference)
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black Pepper (to taste)

For the Freshness

  • 50 grams Fresh Basil (finely sliced leaves)
  • 50 grams Pecorino Romano (optional, for a salty kick)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, but drain it 1-2 minutes early to keep it al dente. Reserve some pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced or whole garlic cloves and sauté them until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes burst and create a thick, jammy sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes according to your heat preference.
  4. Mash Garlic and Combine Pasta: Once the tomatoes have burst, gently mash the garlic into the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve a silky, cohesive sauce texture.
  5. Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in two-thirds of the fresh basil. Serve immediately, garnishing with the remaining basil, a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese if using, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

  • Use ripe and soft cherry tomatoes for natural sweetness and better sauce consistency.
  • You can swap spaghetti for any pasta shape you prefer.
  • The chili flakes are optional; adjust or omit for milder flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, it helps create a silky texture.
  • For a vegan version, omit the Pecorino Romano or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, basil pasta recipe, quick pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/savory-cherry-tomato-and-basil-pasta-in-under-20-minutes-recipe/