Save A quick, flavorful pasta dish made with minimal ingredients for maximum taste and minimal effort.
On busy weeknights, I need recipes that come together fast and don&t sacrifice flavor. This pasta has become my go-to when I want something tasty without spending ages in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 200 g dried spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Sauce: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (finely sliced), 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 100 g cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 tsp salt, freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Finishing: 20 g grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving), handful fresh basil leaves (torn, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Prepare Sauce:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Tomatoes & Seasoning:
- Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce:
- Add drained pasta directly to skillet. Toss to coat, adding splash of reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Final Touch:
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Save My family loves this bright and comforting pasta dish. It always gets devoured and has become part of our regular dinner rotation.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, colander, chefs knife, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (Parmesan cheese). Check cheese labels for vegetarian suitability.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 430, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 59 g, Protein 14 g
Save This is the perfect dinner for those nights when you want simple comfort. Just a few ingredients deliver rich flavor in minutes!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Dried spaghetti is ideal, but you can use any favorite pasta shape that cooks al dente within similar time.
- → How do cherry tomatoes affect the flavor?
Cherry tomatoes soften and release juices during cooking, creating a naturally sweet and tangy sauce base.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan or substitute with a plant-based alternative to maintain richness.
- → How does adding pasta water help the sauce?
Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a smooth texture.
- → What herbs complement this pasta best?
Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant, bright finish that complements the garlic and tomato flavors well.
- → Is red pepper flakes optional?
Yes, they add a subtle heat but can be omitted or adjusted to taste for milder flavor.