Description
A simple and flavorful pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed with a fresh cherry tomato sauce, garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal with vibrant, summery flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they are softened, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mash the tomatoes: Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently crush the tomatoes, releasing their juices. Continue cooking until the tomatoes burst and form a saucy consistency, about 5 more minutes.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Transfer the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Add the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. The cherry tomato sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Make Ahead: The tomato sauce can be prepared 2-3 days in advance; simply reheat when ready to toss with pasta.
- Substitutions: Use any type of pasta preferred. You may substitute grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or beefsteak tomatoes for cherry tomatoes. If using large tomatoes, quarter them before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
