Absolutely Delicious and Simple Tomato Basil and Garlic Pasta
Indulge in the vibrant simplicity of this Absolutely Delicious and Simple Tomato Basil and Garlic Pasta, a recipe that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 25 minutes. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed in a fragrant sauce of sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves, all brought together with rich extra virgin olive oil. The dish is elevated with a touch of optional red chili flakes for a subtle kick and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added creaminess. With its minimal prep and wholesome ingredients, this pasta recipe is a perfect choice for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. Serve it as a standalone masterpiece or pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti
- 300 g cherry tomatoes
- 20 g fresh basil leaves
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 50 g Parmesan cheese (grated, optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, cut the cherry tomatoes in half and set them aside. Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce.
Season the tomato mixture with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce seems dry, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves, tearing them slightly as you add them. Toss to distribute the basil evenly.
Optional: Sprinkle the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1405 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.5 g | 96% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.0 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 3144 mg | 137% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 142.6 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.3 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.6 g | ||
| Protein | 46.5 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 686 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 8.9 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 1063 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
