15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
A quick and flavorful 15-minute cherry tomato basil pasta featuring tender angel hair spaghetti tossed in a garlicky cherry tomato sauce with fresh basil and a touch of olive oil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. 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 Ingredients: Stir in the chopped basil, salt, cooked pasta, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is silky and well incorporated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
- Fresh basil is best for vibrant flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less pasta water or simmer sauce a bit longer before adding pasta.
- This dish pairs well with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid overcooking when combined with the sauce.
Keywords: cherry tomato basil pasta, quick pasta recipe, angel hair pasta, Italian pasta, 15-minute dinner, vegetarian pasta recipe
