15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta
User Reviews
5
15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta
Description
15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta assembles angel hair pasta with a simple sauce of olive oil, minced garlic, and quartered cherry tomatoes cooked briefly to soften and release juices. The tomatoes are gently mashed to form a light sauce, and fresh chopped basil is stirred in along with salt for seasoning. The reserved pasta water is added to help emulsify the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
The resulting dish features tender yet al dente angel hair strands paired with a sauce that balances fresh tomato brightness and aromatic basil underpinned by the gentle garlic flavor. The short cooking time preserves the tomatoes' freshness and the herbaceous notes of the basil, giving a pleasant mouthfeel and vibrant flavor without heaviness.
This pasta works well as a quick weekday dinner or a light lunch, suitable alongside simple protein or a salad. The delicate angel hair pasta makes the dish feel fresh and not overly filling, highlighting the quality of the cherry tomatoes and herbs. The technique of using strained pasta water aids in sauce consistency and adherence to the noodles for a moist bite.
Notes suggest enhancing flavor by adding bouillon paste or cubes to pasta water and caution against burning garlic to avoid bitterness. Cooking pasta al dente is advised for best texture, especially if leftovers are expected, and tomato mashing can be adjusted to taste.
Ingredients
- 1 angel hair spaghetti
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 5 garlic minced, cloves
- 3 pints cherry tomato cut into quarters, or grape tomatoes
- 1 cup basil chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- In the same pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add garlic and tomatoes and cook for 2 or 3 minutes, gently mashing the tomatoes with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Stir in the basil, salt, pasta, and pasta water.
Notes
- Add bouillon paste or cubes to pasta water for added flavor according to package directions.
- Reserve pasta water as it helps the sauce cling to noodles; it can be stored in the fridge for a day or two.
- Cook pasta al dente, slightly less than package directions, especially if saving leftovers.
- You may mash all or part of the tomatoes to adjust sauce texture.
- Add garlic only after tomato skins begin splitting to avoid bitterness from burning garlic.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4to 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 611 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 611kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 100g | 33% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Sodium | 316mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 1127mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 3273IU | 65% |
| Vitamin C | 51mg | 57% |
| Calcium | 77mg | 8% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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