Imagine a sun-drenched Italian terrace, where the air is filled with the sweet aroma of ripe cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil. Welcome to your kitchen, where you can recreate this delightful experience with our easy and mouthwatering Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and showcases the simplicity of fresh ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a charming weekend gathering, this recipe will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests begging for seconds. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, gently pressing some tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon to release their juices and create a light sauce.
- Season the tomato sauce with salt to taste. The sauce should be slightly chunky with some whole tomatoes and some broken down.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, using pasta water if needed to create a silky texture.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for your favorite pasta shape, but consider using spaghetti or linguine for a classic pairing with the sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a delicious sauce is using fresh cherry tomatoes. Look for ones that are plump and fragrant for the best flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: Sauté the garlic gently to release its flavor without burning it. This step adds a lovely depth to your sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired silky texture.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's aroma and flavor. Tear the leaves for a rustic look and maximum flavor release.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right after mixing the pasta and sauce for the ultimate taste experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
