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Easy Bright Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe 5-Minute Homemade Bliss

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A quick and vibrant cherry tomato pasta dish that combines fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil for a bright, flavorful meal ready in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-9 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes (2 cups / 300g) to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and just begin to burst, being careful not to overcook.
  4. Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if using, plus salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir and let the flavors meld for another minute. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the mixture looks dry.
  5. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently with tongs or a wooden spoon to coat the noodles evenly. Add more reserved pasta water if needed for a silky finish.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in a handful of torn fresh basil leaves.
  7. Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the cherry tomatoes; they should remain slightly firm to provide a juicy burst. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add fresh basil off the heat to preserve its bright flavor. For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy pasta, fresh basil pasta, garlic pasta, summer pasta, vegetarian pasta, 5-minute meal

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/easy-bright-cherry-tomato-pasta-recipe-5-minute-homemade-bliss/