15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
A quick and fresh 15-minute cherry tomato basil pasta recipe featuring tender angel hair pasta tossed with a flavorful garlic and olive oil sauce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic fresh basil.
- 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, cut into quarters
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: 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 and create a light sauce.
- Toss everything together: Stir in the chopped basil, salt, cooked pasta, and the reserved pasta water into the pot. Mix well to combine and warm through, allowing the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil will not yield the same freshness.
- Gently mashing tomatoes helps release their juices for a better sauce consistency.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh ingredients at their peak.
- Optional: Add grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, basil pasta, quick pasta recipe, angel hair pasta, easy Italian dinner, 15-minute recipe
