15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This 15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender angel hair pasta, it’s a simple yet flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly.
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. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. 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 quartered 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
- Use fresh mozzarella or shaved Parmesan on top for extra richness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Swap angel hair for linguine or spaghetti if preferred.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh for a deeper flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tomatoes for this recipe?
Fresh tomatoes work best for this dish because they break down nicely and create a fresh sauce. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes, the reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to cling to the pasta better, creating a smoother and more cohesive dish.
Print15-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
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
