Imagine a pasta dish so simple yet so magical that it captures the heart of traditional Italian home cooking in just 30 minutes. Nonna's Cherry Tomato Pasta is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms humble ingredients into a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. With its vibrant cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil, this dish promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Mediterranean experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, gently pressing some tomatoes to release their juices and create a light sauce.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add directly to the skillet with tomatoes. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer pasta to serving plates and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally drizzling with additional extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Salt is Your Friend: Use generously salted water when boiling pasta - it should taste like the sea to properly season your spaghetti.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook pasta just until it has a slight bite. Overcooking will make your pasta mushy and destroy the authentic Italian texture.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats your noodles.
- Gentle Tomato Technique: When cooking cherry tomatoes, press some gently to release their natural juices, creating a light, fresh sauce without heavy cooking.
- Fresh Basil Matters: Add basil at the very end to preserve its bright flavor and aromatic qualities. Tear leaves by hand for the best release of essential oils.
- Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet to the plate, ensuring maximum flavor and perfect texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
