There’s something magical about the combination of pasta, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil. It’s like capturing the essence of a sun-drenched Italian summer right on your plate. Today, I’m excited to share with you a simple yet delightful recipe for spaghetti pasta with cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese, garnished with basil. Perfect for beginners, this dish will transport you to the rolling hills of Tuscany with every bite!
Ingredients (for 2 servings):
- 200g spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black peppercorns, to taste
Instructions:
- Bring the Water to Life: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of sea salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. The water should taste like the Mediterranean Sea – this is the secret to flavorful pasta!
- Cook the Pasta: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown!
- Create the Sauce: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices. The kitchen will be filled with the most intoxicating aroma!
- Drain and Combine: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Add the spaghetti to the skillet with the tomatoes and toss everything together. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta.
- Season and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Add most of the grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves, leaving some for garnish. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together one final time.
- Plate and Garnish: Divide the pasta between two plates, twirling it with a fork for that restaurant-style presentation. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and basil on top.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve your masterpiece immediately, while it’s still steaming hot. The contrast between the warm pasta and the cool, fresh basil is simply divine. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade for the perfect summer meal.
Pro Tip: For an extra touch of luxury, drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil over the pasta just before serving. It adds a beautiful sheen and enhances the flavors even further.
Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process. Don’t stress if things aren’t perfect – that’s what gives your dish character! With each twirl of your fork, you’ll taste the simple yet incredible flavors of Italy. Buon appetito!
Share Your Culinary Creation!
