Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with just one bite - a meal so effortlessly delicious that it will make you feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen. This Pasta with Tomato and Basil is not just a recipe; it's a culinary love story that combines fresh ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta of choice
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 200g of your preferred pasta, 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese for serving.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 200g of pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are softened and begin to release their juices.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture seems dry.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil, mixing well to distribute the flavors.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Pasta with Tomato and Basil!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out.
- Use the freshest cherry tomatoes possible for the most vibrant flavor. If they're in season, your dish will sing with freshness.
- Don't overcook the garlic - it should be fragrant but not browned, which can make it bitter.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Tear your basil leaves instead of chopping them to release more aromatic oils and prevent bruising.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
