Tomato Basil Spaghetti
Bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, this Tomato Basil Spaghetti is a simple yet elegant pasta dish that celebrates the beauty of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed in a light, garlicky cherry tomato sauce, infused with the aromatic punch of fresh basil and a touch of red chili flakes for subtle heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy weeknight recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. Serve it as a comforting standalone meal or pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete dining experience. Whether you’re craving something light yet satisfying or looking for a vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on taste, Tomato Basil Spaghetti is sure to satisfy every pasta lover’s palate. Garnish with parmesan for an optional cheesy finish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 pieces garlic cloves
- 500 grams cherry tomatoes
- 20 grams fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
- 50 grams parmesan cheese (optional, grated)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set cooked spaghetti aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the pan with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices.
Tear or roughly chop the basil leaves and stir them into the tomato mixture. Add black pepper and red chili flakes, adjusting to taste.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss to coat it evenly in the tomato and basil sauce. If the mixture appears dry, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1340 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 61.0 g | 78% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.5 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 3157 mg | 137% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 150.7 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.9 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.8 g | ||
| Protein | 48.3 g | 97% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 711 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 9.9 mg | 55% | |
| Potassium | 1543 mg | 33% | |
*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.
