Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic. This Easy Tomato Garlic Pasta is not just a meal—it's a culinary escape to the sun-drenched kitchens of Italy, where simplicity meets extraordinary taste. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a quick dinner solution, or someone who craves restaurant-quality meals without the complexity, this recipe is your golden ticket to a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, gently pressing some tomatoes to release their juices and create a light sauce.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with tomatoes and garlic. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Salt is Your Friend: Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta from within.
- Al Dente is Key: Watch your pasta carefully and test it a minute before the package instructions suggest. Al dente pasta has a slight bite and will continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Pasta Water Magic: Never drain all your pasta water! The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the ripest cherry tomatoes and freshest basil you can find. The quality of simple ingredients makes a huge difference.
- Don't Rush the Garlic: Sauté garlic gently to release its flavor without burning, which can make it bitter. Medium heat is your best approach.
- Quick Serving is Crucial: Serve immediately after mixing to enjoy the pasta at its peak temperature and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 470kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
