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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/spaghetti-with-cherry-tomatoes-and-parmesan-recipe/