Sautéed Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil

Name: Sautéed Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup fresh basil; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

A vibrant weeknight pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a simple tomato-basil sauce with sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs.

Cuisine: Italian

Category: Pasta

Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 12 minutes.

Serves 4.

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

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.
Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt to the skillet, cooking for 3 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and thickens slightly.