15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This 15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for busy weeknights. With juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a simple garlic olive oil sauce, it’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy a light Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (1-pound) package of angel hair spaghetti
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 pints of cherry or grape tomatoes, cut into quarters
- 1 cup of chopped basil
- ½ teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and 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.
- Step 3: Stir in the chopped basil, salt, cooked pasta, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and tomatoes.
- You can substitute angel hair pasta with spaghetti or linguine if preferred.
- Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for a cheesy finish.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Yes, cherry or grape tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness and size, but you can use diced Roma or vine tomatoes if needed. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as larger tomatoes may take longer to soften.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. This pasta holds up well when stored properly and reheated, making it a convenient and tasty option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Print15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
This 15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring angel hair pasta tossed with sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, it’s a simple yet elegant Italian-inspired meal that comes together in just minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (1-pound) package of angel hair spaghetti
Sauce and Seasoning
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 pints of cherry or grape tomatoes, cut into quarters
- 1 cup of chopped basil
- ½ teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the angel hair spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté garlic and tomatoes: Using the same pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and quartered cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes. Gently mash the tomatoes with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon to release their juices and create a light sauce.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the chopped basil, salt, cooked pasta, and reserved pasta water into the pot. Toss everything gently to combine and heat through, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil won’t provide the same aroma or taste.
- You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- This dish pairs well with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts for extra richness.
- To save time, prepare ingredients beforehand and have the sauce ready to go as soon as the pasta finishes cooking.
Keywords: cherry tomato pasta,basil pasta,quick pasta recipe,easy italian pasta,15-minute dinner,angel hair spaghetti
