A simple and flavorful Italian recipe that celebrates the freshness of cherry tomatoes. Tender pasta mingles deliciously with bursting, flavorful tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil for a light yet satisfying dish.
⏱️22 min
📊Easy
👥4 servings
🍽️Main
vegetarianquickbudget-friendlyfamilylight
Ingredients
400 gpasta (penne or spaghetti)
500 gcherry tomatoes
3 goussesgarlic
4 cuillères à soupeextra virgin olive oil
1 bouquetfresh basil
1 pincéesalt
1 pincéeblack pepper
50 ggrated Parmesan
Instructions
1BRING WATER TO A BOIL: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a vigorous boil. Add a generous pinch of sea salt — the water should taste like seawater. This crucial step seasons the pasta from within. Wait until vigorous bubbles rise to the surface before proceeding.
2PREPARE THE TOMATOES AND GARLIC: Meanwhile, rinse the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Peel the garlic cloves and finely mince them into small dice. Strip the fresh basil by separating whole leaves from the stems. This preparation ensures harmonious cooking of all elements.
3COOK THE PASTA: Pour the pasta into the boiling water and stir immediately with a fork to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package time, minus one minute, to achieve al dente pasta — it should remain slightly firm to the bite. Taste from the 9th minute of cooking.
4COOK THE TOMATOES WITH GARLIC: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it become fragrant for 30 seconds, without letting it brown as it will become bitter. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and increase the heat slightly. Let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring gently, until they begin to burst and release their sweet juices.
5COMBINE AND FINISH: Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water, then pour the al dente pasta directly into the skillet with the tomatoes. Mix carefully while gradually adding some of the pasta water to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. The mixture should not be dry but slightly moist. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6PLATE AND SERVE: Distribute the pasta with cherry tomatoes into warm bowls. Generously sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan. Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the basil releases its fragrance. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil as a final touch elegantly enhances the dish.