Ingredients
Pasta
- ½ lb pasta (penne, cavatappi, or your favorite shape)
- Salt (for pasta water)
Tomato Basil Sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1 ½ cups fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions but ensuring the pasta is still firm. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later.
- Prepare Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add halved tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until tomatoes soften and begin to burst, about 4-5 minutes. Mash roughly two-thirds of the tomatoes with a fork to release their juices and create a chunky sauce, leaving some tomato pieces intact for texture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta, 1 cup of fresh chopped basil, and ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Mix well to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Turn off the heat and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Dish the pasta into serving bowls alongside garlic toast if desired. Garnish each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
- Last Step: Leave a comment and review if you enjoyed the recipe to support the small business and help other readers discover this delicious dish!
Notes
- For less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt.
- Reserve pasta water helps to create a silky sauce; add gradually until you reach your desired sauce thickness.
- Feel free to substitute fresh basil with other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a different twist.
- Pair with garlic toast or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
