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Fresh Cherry Tomato Basil Sauce Pasta

fresh cherry tomato basil sauce pasta - featured image
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A quick and vibrant pasta dish featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil for a light, garden-fresh sauce that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh cherry tomatoes
  • 15–20 fresh basil leaves
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or gluten-free alternative)
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add 2 cups (300g) fresh cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir gently and cook for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes soften and blister slightly, with some bursting.
  4. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Tear or roughly chop 15-20 fresh basil leaves and stir into the sauce. Let wilt slightly without overcooking.
  6. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato basil sauce. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra olive oil if desired. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use the freshest cherry tomatoes for best flavor. Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Add basil at the end to keep its bright flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Experiment with different pasta shapes. For a dairy-free version, skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, basil pasta sauce, fresh tomato sauce, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta, gluten-free pasta option

Find it online: https://morselora.com/fresh-cherry-tomato-basil-sauce-pasta-easy-recipe-for-vibrant-flavor/