Cherry Tomatoes Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
3 fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped
02 -
¼ cup of high-quality olive oil
03 -
2 pints of fresh cherry tomatoes
04 -
8 ounces of spaghetti, pick your favorite kind
→ Flavors & Toppings
05 -
½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a kick
06 -
¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan, plus a little extra for serving
07 -
½ teaspoon of sea salt
08 -
½ cup of roughly cut fresh basil, save a handful for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Fill up a big pot with heavily salted water and set it on high to boil. Toss in the spaghetti and let it cook until it's just the right amount of firm, according to the box directions. Don't forget to scoop out half a cup of the pasta water before you strain it — you'll need this for the sauce magic!
02 -
As the pasta cooks, grab a large pan and warm up your olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes, letting them soften and burst open after about five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, a sprinkle of salt, and the red pepper flakes. Let this all mingle for another minute or so, creating a mouthwatering aroma. Grab a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently crush the tomatoes, loosening the juices. Let it all simmer happily for around five more minutes to craft a perfect sauce.
03 -
Take the perfectly al dente spaghetti and toss it straight into the pan of tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the chopped basil and Parmesan cheese, then mix it all together like you're wrapping up a perfect present. Slowly add in small amounts of the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce gets that dreamy, silky texture you want.
04 -
Dish the pasta up nice and hot. Finish each plate with a little basil on top and a generous dash of Parmesan cheese for that savory finish.
# Notes:
01 -
Keep this in a sealed container in the fridge for 4-5 days. The tomato sauce freezes great, lasting up to 3 months.
02 -
You can prep the sauce a few days in advance — it only gets better as it sits!
03 -
Not finding cherry tomatoes? Grape tomatoes or sliced regular ones will totally work here.