Transform your weeknight dinner into a masterpiece with these irresistible Tomato Basil Pasta Nests! This recipe blends al dente spaghetti with the vibrant flavors of cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of crushed red pepper for a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Sautéed garlic infuses the olive oil with richness, while freshly grated parmesan adds a savory finish to each nest. Ideal for entertaining, these elegant pasta portions are both easy to prepare and visually impressive, making them perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals. Ready in just 30 minutes, this simple yet sophisticated recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients and classic Italian flavors. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner idea or looking to elevate your pasta game, these Tomato Basil Pasta Nests are guaranteed to impress.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly with cold water, and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and started to break down.
Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the tomato mixture.
Add the chopped basil leaves and toss again to combine evenly.
Using a fork and tongs, twist portions of the pasta into small nests and carefully transfer them to serving plates.
Garnish each nest with grated parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately.
Calories |
1014 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.7 g | 60% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.0 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 3235 mg | 141% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 111.5 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.1 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.2 g | ||
| Protein | 41.8 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 654 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1156 mg | 25% | |
*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.