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Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta

This dish features cooked pasta tossed with a vibrant sauce made from fresh cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and olive oil. The tomatoes burst as they cook, creating a light, flavorful coating on the pasta with a bright, herbaceous aroma and a tender, yet lively texture.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil preferably extra virgin
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • fresh basil leaves roughly chopped
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Slotted spoon or tongs
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes. You should see some bubbling and a slight turning of the tomatoes' color.
  4. Stir in chopped basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to burst, creating a vibrant sauce.
  5. Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss everything together gently using a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring the pasta is well coated and heated through.
  6. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with a few extra basil leaves if desired. The dish should look glossy, with pops of red cherry tomatoes and fragrant green herbs, ready to enjoy.