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Easy Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe with Fresh Basil for Quick Dinner

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A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring burst cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 300 grams) cherry tomatoes, preferably ripe and juicy
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • A generous handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Slice garlic thinly and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta cooking water before draining.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir frequently and cook until garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden, about 1-2 minutes. Avoid burning.
  4. Add cherry tomatoes whole to the skillet. Gently press on them occasionally with a wooden spoon or spatula to encourage bursting. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and create a light sauce.
  5. Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with tomatoes. Pour in about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of reserved pasta water to help sauce coat noodles. Toss together over low heat for 1-2 minutes until sauce clings to pasta. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Remove from heat and gently fold in torn fresh basil leaves to keep herbs vibrant.
  7. Serve immediately, optionally topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Use ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for best flavor. Avoid burning garlic by stirring constantly. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Toss pasta off heat with basil to keep herbs fresh. If sauce is too thick, add more pasta water; if too watery, cook longer to reduce. Parmesan cheese is optional and can be substituted with plant-based cheese for vegan option.

Nutrition

Keywords: burst cherry tomato pasta, fresh basil pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, vegetarian pasta, simple pasta sauce

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/easy-burst-cherry-tomato-pasta-recipe-with-fresh-basil-for-quick-dinner/