Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

This Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes & Parmesan Cheese is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Fresh cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil combine with creamy Parmesan to create a comforting sauce that clings beautifully to al dente spaghetti.

Ingredients

• 450 g Spaghetti (16 oz)
• 1–1½ litres Boiled water (33–50 oz)
• 2 tsp Salt
• 500 g Cherry tomatoes (17.6 oz)
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 Garlic cloves (freshly pressed or chopped)
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• ½ tsp Black pepper
• ½ tsp Piri-piri pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp Sriracha sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp Honey
• 240 ml Pasta water (1 cup)
• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 tsp of salt and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, wash and halve the cherry tomatoes.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the pressed garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
4. Step 4: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. As they soften, press them gently with a spatula to release their juices and create a sauce.
5. Step 5: Season the tomato sauce with onion powder, black pepper, Piri-piri pepper (if using), honey, and Sriracha sauce for a spicy kick (optional). Stir well.
6. Step 6: Pour in about 1 cup of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and let it simmer for a minute or two.
7. Step 7: Stir in chopped fresh basil and let the sauce cook for another minute to infuse the flavors.
8. Step 8: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
9. Step 9: Drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the sauce. Toss well and cook together for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to coat the pasta evenly.
10. Step 10: Serve topped with extra chopped basil leaves and more grated Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Tips & Variations

• Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency easily.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and sauté gently to avoid bitterness.
• Swap cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or a mix of sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
• Add chili flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Do I have to add honey and Sriracha?

No, both honey and Sriracha are optional and add sweetness and heat. You can omit them or adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences.

Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe

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4.5 from 97 reviews

A simple and flavorful spaghetti dish featuring sautéed cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and creamy Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe combines the freshness of tomatoes with the rich umami of Parmesan, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 450 g Spaghetti (16 oz)
• 1–1½ litres Boiled water (33 – 50 oz)
• 2 tsp Salt

Sauce

• 500 g Cherry tomatoes (17.6 oz), halved
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 Garlic cloves, freshly pressed or chopped
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• ½ tsp Black pepper
• ½ tsp Piri-piri pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp Sriracha sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp Honey
• 240 ml Pasta water (1 cup)
• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Boil water: Start by bringing 1 to 1½ litres of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to season the water.
2. Prepare tomatoes: While waiting for the water to boil, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in halves.
3. Sauté garlic: In a frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the freshly pressed or chopped garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Cook spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling salted water and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes depending on the brand.
5. Add tomatoes: While the pasta cooks, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the sautéed garlic in the pan.
6. Press tomatoes: As the tomatoes begin to soften, gently press them with a spatula to release their juices and create a sauce base.
7. Season sauce: Season the tomatoes with 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon piri-piri pepper (optional), and 1 teaspoon honey. For a spicy kick, add 1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce if desired.
8. Add pasta water: Pour about 240 ml (1 cup) of reserved pasta water into the pan. This helps loosen the sauce and creates a silky texture.
9. Add basil and simmer: Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
10. Add Parmesan: Stir in 3 tablespoons of coarsely grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy.
11. Drain pasta: Once the spaghetti is al dente, strain it well and transfer it directly into the sauce pan with the tomato-Parmesan sauce.
12. Combine and finish: Toss the pasta and sauce together and simmer for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to ensure the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.
13. Serve: Plate the pasta, then garnish with extra chopped fresh basil leaves and more coarsely grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Using reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling better to the spaghetti due to the starch content.
• Piri-piri pepper and Sriracha sauce are optional; adjust spiciness to your preference.
• For a vegan variation, substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
• Ensure garlic is sautéed gently to avoid bitterness.
• You can add crushed red pepper flakes for additional heat if desired.

Keywords: Spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, Italian pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta