15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This 15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for busy weeknights. With sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender angel hair pasta, it’s simple yet full of flavor.
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 the 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 a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and tomatoes.
- Use fresh mozzarella or grated Parmesan on top for extra richness.
- Swap angel hair with spaghetti or linguine if preferred.
Storage
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherry tomatoes for this recipe?
Fresh tomatoes work best for texture and flavor, but frozen tomatoes can be used if fresh aren’t available. Defrost and drain excess liquid before cooking.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes, the starchy pasta water helps create a silky sauce that binds the ingredients together. It adds moisture and improves the texture of the dish.
Print15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
A quick and fresh 15-minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta featuring tender angel hair spaghetti tossed with garlicky cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil, perfect for a light and flavorful weeknight meal.
- 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
- 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 half a cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Using the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and quartered cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes. Gently mash the tomatoes using the back of a spatula or wooden spoon to release their juices and create a slightly chunky sauce.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the chopped basil, salt, cooked pasta, and the reserved pasta water into the tomato mixture. Toss gently until everything is well combined and the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil won’t provide the same aromatic freshness.
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly, so watch it carefully to avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
Keywords: Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe, 15-Minute Pasta, Easy Italian Pasta, Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
