Simple Pasta Toss
Fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes, this Simple Pasta Toss is the ultimate go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual dinners. Featuring al dente spaghetti coated in a light and aromatic garlic and olive oil sauce, this dish is elevated with sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and an optional kick of red pepper flakes for heat. A final touch of grated parmesan cheese adds a creamy, savory finish (if desired). With its minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Plus, it's endlessly versatile—swap in your favorite pasta or customize with seasonal veggies for even more variety. Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this simple pasta dish is guaranteed to impress, whether you're cooking for two or hosting friends.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and break down slightly.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, coating the pasta with the garlic and tomato mixture.
Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to help create a light sauce that clings to the pasta.
Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust seasonings to taste.
Serve immediately, topped with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
570 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.4 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.9 g | 49% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 30 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 1558 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.2 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 23.7 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 461 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 572 mg | 12% | |
*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.
