Perfect Pasta
Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this "Perfect Pasta" recipe! Featuring tender spaghetti coated in a luscious, garlicky olive oil and cherry tomato sauce, this quick and easy pasta dish is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. The secret lies in emulsifying the silky sauce with reserved pasta water, creating a glossy finish that clings to every strand. Aromatic basil, a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese complete this Italian-inspired classic. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining, this versatile recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 300 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 10 leaves fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
Add the cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices.
Season the tomato mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, stirring constantly to create a smooth and glossy sauce that coats the pasta.
Stir in the fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra basil leaves and parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1304 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.5 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.4 g | 87% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 3240 mg | 141% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 144.5 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.6 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.4 g | ||
| Protein | 47.5 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 650 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 1030 mg | 22% | |
*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.
