Better Than Olive Garden Pasta Pomodoro
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this *Better Than Olive Garden Pasta Pomodoro*, a quick and easy dish that takes classic Italian comfort food to the next level. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed in a luscious, garlicky tomato sauce made from sweet, bursting cherry tomatoes and a hint of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. Fresh basil adds an aromatic touch, while a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese ties everything together with creamy elegance. With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this restaurant-quality meal can be on your dinner table in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive yet simple weekend dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve it with a side of crusty bread for an irresistible homemade feast. This crowd-pleaser is destined to become your go-to pasta recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes (or Roma tomatoes, diced)
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp sugar
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are soft and begin to burst. Use a wooden spoon to gently crush some of the tomatoes for a saucier consistency.
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and sugar. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Stir in the fresh basil and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until evenly distributed.
Serve the Pasta Pomodoro immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
554 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.2 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 595 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 108.7 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.7 g | ||
| Protein | 20.5 g | 41% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 45 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 203 mg | 4% | |
*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.
