Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant plate of pasta that bursts with fresh, sun-kissed flavors - that's exactly what you'll experience with this incredible Spaghetti with Marinated Cherry Tomatoes! In just 25 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy Italian dish that will make your taste buds dance with delight. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that captures the essence of summer in every single bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and slice them in half. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly. Allow the mixture to marinate for about 10 minutes at room temperature to enhance the flavors.
- While the tomatoes are marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- After draining, return the spaghetti to the pot. Add the marinated cherry tomato mixture to the spaghetti, including any remaining marinade from the bowl. Toss everything together gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Fold in the chopped fresh basil, mixing well to distribute the flavors throughout the dish.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Serve the spaghetti warm, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti with Marinated Cherry Tomatoes!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes at room temperature.
- Don't rush the marinating process - those 10 minutes allow the tomatoes to develop incredible depth.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial! Its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Fresh basil makes a huge difference - if possible, use just-picked leaves from the garden.
- For a gourmet touch, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg