This easy pasta dish bursts with flavor thanks to juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant garlic. It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy nights!
The best part? You can whip it together in about 20 minutes! I love tossing in some fresh basil for extra yum—just like a cozy Italian dinner at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using spaghetti for its classic feel. However, feel free to swap in any pasta you have, like penne or fusilli. Whole wheat pasta or gluten-free options can also work great!
Cherry Tomatoes: These are the star of the dish! If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, grape tomatoes work just as well. Even canned diced tomatoes can be a good substitute—just adjust cooking time.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but the taste will be milder. I usually use a little extra because I love that garlicky punch!
Basil: Fresh basil brings brightness. If you don’t have fresh, dried basil can be used, but fresh really elevates this dish! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or oregano too.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nice touch but can be left out for a dairy-free option. Nutritional yeast can replace it for a similar flavor without dairy!
How Do I Ensure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Garlic can burn quickly, which can ruin the dish! Here are some tips to keep it flavorful:
- Keep the heat medium to low when cooking garlic. High heat can cause it to brown too quickly.
- Always keep an eye on it, stirring frequently to promote even cooking.
- Cook it just until it’s fragrant and lightly golden—this should take about 1-2 minutes.
If you burn garlic, it can turn bitter, so just take it slow and enjoy the sweet aroma as it cooks!
Easy Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes And Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 20 minutes in total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta while the sauce comes together, making it a perfect quick meal for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before you drain the pasta.
2. Heat the Olive Oil:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Let the oil warm up for a minute or two—this will help build the flavor!
3. Add the Garlic:
Now it’s time to add the sliced garlic to the skillet! Cook it for about 1–2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn—burnt garlic can ruin the taste, so stir gently!
4. Cook the Tomatoes:
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 5–7 minutes, letting the tomatoes soften and release their juicy goodness.
5. Season the Mixture:
Time to season! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This will help highlight the flavors of the tomatoes and garlic.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Carefully add the cooked pasta to the skillet with your tomato and garlic mixture. Toss everything together to combine. If the sauce seems a bit thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Add Fresh Basil:
Sprinkle in the fresh basil leaves, stirring them through the pasta dish. This will add a lovely fresh flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Plate your pasta and top it with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish that makes for a quick meal any day of the week!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and linguine are traditional choices, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand such as penne or fusilli. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works great too—just adjust cooking time as necessary.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil available, dried basil can be a good alternative. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead. Alternatively, you can also consider using fresh parsley or oregano for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil and warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave to help revive the sauce.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Pasta Dish?
Yes! Feel free to customize your pasta by adding ingredients like spinach, olives, or even grilled chicken for extra protein. Just sauté them along with the tomatoes or toss them in at the end!
