Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked linguine, bursting with juicy grape tomatoes and fragrant basil, where every bite transports you straight to the sunny coastlines of Italy. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this linguine dish promises to elevate your dinner game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
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 linguine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat 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 grape tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, gently stirring, allowing tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the linguine. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce.
- Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta.
- Serve hot, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water Generously: The key to flavorful pasta starts with well-seasoned boiling water. Think "salty like the sea" for maximum taste.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some starchy cooking liquid. It's liquid gold for creating silky, clingy sauces that perfectly coat your pasta.
- Al Dente is Your Friend: Cook pasta just until it has a slight bite. Overcooked pasta turns mushy and ruins the entire dish's texture.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use ripe, sweet grape tomatoes and fresh basil for the most vibrant flavor. If possible, opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Don't Rush the Garlic: Sauté garlic gently to release its flavor without burning, which can make it bitter.
- Quick Tossing Technique: When combining pasta with sauce, do it quickly and gently to help the sauce adhere to the noodles without breaking them.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 470kcal
Carbohydrates: 67g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
