Description
A quick and delightful cherry tomato pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and cherry tomato sauce, enriched with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and optional creamy burrata for an indulgent finish. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cooking
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 3 quarts water
- 1.5 tablespoons salt
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 twists black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 15 leaves fresh basil
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Optional
- 1 – 2 burrata balls
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 ½ tablespoons salt to season the pasta water thoroughly for optimal flavor.
- Cook Pasta: Add the spaghetti to the boiling salted water and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain carefully.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pressed or grated garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the aroma is fragrant but the garlic is not browned.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become slightly saucy and softened.
- Season Sauce: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper twists, and 0.125 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Basil and Cheese: Mix in fresh basil leaves and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir until the cheese melts and blends into the dish.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with 1 or 2 burrata balls for a rich, creamy finish if desired. Garnish with extra basil leaves for freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
- Burrata adds a creamy texture but can be substituted with fresh mozzarella or omitted for a lighter dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if too thick.
- This recipe works best with cherry tomatoes for their sweetness and juiciness.
