Imagine a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 25 minutes, bursting with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. This Pasta with Grape Tomatoes is not just a recipe—it's a culinary escape to the sun-drenched kitchens of Italy, where simplicity meets extraordinary taste. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or someone who craves authentic Italian flavors without hours of preparation, this dish is your perfect solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., spaghetti)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, halve the grape tomatoes lengthwise and finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add halved grape tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta in a colander.
- Transfer the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the pasta just before serving.
- Serve immediately in warm plates, optionally drizzling with additional extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within. • Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining; the starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce. • Use the freshest grape tomatoes possible for maximum flavor burst. • Don't overcook the garlic—it should be fragrant, not browned, to prevent bitterness. • Tear basil leaves instead of chopping to release more aromatic oils. • For extra richness, finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. • Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its peak texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
