Description
A quick and vibrant 15-minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta dish featuring angel hair spaghetti tossed with sautéed garlic, fresh cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Perfect for a light, flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 (1-pound) package of angel hair spaghetti
Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Sauté garlic and tomatoes: In the same pot, heat ¼ cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and quartered cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, gently mashing the tomatoes with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon to release their juices and create a light sauce.
- Combine and finish: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, ½ teaspoon of salt, the cooked pasta, and the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful tomato and basil mixture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Reserve pasta water contains starch that helps thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
- You can add grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra flavor if desired.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, basil pasta, quick pasta recipe, 15-minute pasta, angel hair spaghetti, easy Italian dinner
