15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
This 15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple, fresh, and vibrant dish featuring angel hair spaghetti tossed with a garlicky cherry tomato sauce and fragrant basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with aromatic basil and olive oil for a light yet satisfying pasta experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 (1-pound) package of angel hair spaghetti
Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the angel hair spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Using the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and quartered cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes while gently mashing the tomatoes with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon to release their juices and create a light sauce.
- Combine and finish: Stir in the chopped basil, salt, cooked pasta, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce and the basil is well distributed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve the pasta water to help loosen the sauce and bind it to the noodles.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil will not have the same vibrant taste.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your pasta water and personal preference.
- You can add grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- This dish is best served immediately as angel hair pasta can become mushy if left too long.
Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, basil pasta, angel hair pasta, quick pasta recipe, Italian pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner
