Sautéed Pasta with Lemon and Cherry Tomatoes

A vibrant weeknight meal featuring tender spaghetti coated in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with sweet cherry tomatoes.

Cuisine: Italian

Category: Pasta

Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 20 minutes.

Serves 4.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves, minced garlic
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 pint, halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• 1/2 cup, reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let the garlic brown.
3. Step 3: Add 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, then add the drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.