Name: 15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (1-pound) package of angel hair spaghetti; 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

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Introduction

This 15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick, fresh, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. With juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and garlic-infused olive oil, it delivers a delicious taste of summer in every bite.

A white speckled bowl filled with thin, light yellow spaghetti noodles forming the base layer, topped with a bright red chunky tomato sauce containing pieces of cooked tomatoes and small bits of garlic. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh contrast to the red sauce and light noodles. A silver fork rests inside the bowl, partially hidden by the noodles and sauce, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 angel hair spaghetti according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: In the same pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. 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

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and tomatoes.
You can substitute angel hair spaghetti with thin spaghetti or linguine if preferred.
Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra richness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta moist.

How to Serve

A white bowl with brown speckles holds a simple spaghetti dish with two shiny silver forks resting inside. The bottom layer is thin, light beige spaghetti strands, topped unevenly with bright red chunky tomato sauce scattered with pieces of green basil leaves. A sprig of fresh dark green basil sits on top as a garnish, adding a burst of color. The bowl is set against a white marbled textured surface, with scattered green basil leaves and part of a white cloth napkin visible at the top right edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?

Fresh cherry tomatoes are best for this recipe because they release juices that create a light sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes will add a more intense flavor but won’t produce the same saucy texture.

Is this pasta suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this pasta reheats well and can be prepared ahead of time. Just keep the sauce and pasta refrigerated and combine or reheat together before serving.