Description
A vibrant and flavorful Cherry Tomato Pasta featuring al dente spaghetti tossed with sautéed cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese, finished with creamy burrata for an indulgent touch. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick, delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Seasoning
- 12 ounces spaghetti (Choose your favorite type of pasta.)
- 3 quarts water (For boiling.)
- 1.5 tablespoons salt (To enhance flavor while cooking pasta.)
Sauce
- 2 pounds cherry tomatoes (Halved.)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (Adds richness to the dish.)
- 1 clove garlic (Pressed or grated.)
- 1 teaspoon salt (Balances the sweetness of tomatoes.)
- 2 twists black pepper (To taste.)
- 0.125 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Adjust based on spice preference.)
Finishing Touches
- 15 leaves fresh basil (Adds aromatic flavor.)
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (Grated.)
- 1 – 2 burrata (Optional, for a luxurious touch.)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of salt to season the water. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pressed or grated garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices, creating a slightly saucy texture.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, freshly cracked black pepper to taste, and 0.125 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Fresh Basil and Cheese: Mix in the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Serve with Burrata: Plate the pasta and top each serving with one or two burrata balls if desired, garnishing with additional basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Burrata is optional but adds a creamy, luxurious balance to the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if needed.
- For gluten-free option, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
