Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, adorned with burst cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a luxurious balsamic drizzle that transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience. This Bruschetta Pasta is not just a dish—it's a culinary journey that captures the essence of Italian summer in every single bite. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and will have your dinner guests asking for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the bruschetta topping. In a medium bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and gently mix.
- Once pasta is drained, return it to the pot and add remaining olive oil. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the prepared bruschetta mixture to the pasta and gently fold together. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the top of the pasta just before serving, creating an elegant and flavorful finish.
- Serve immediately while warm, allowing the fresh tomato and basil flavors to shine.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for the most vibrant flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente: This ensures the perfect texture and helps the sauce cling better.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together.
- Let tomato mixture sit: Allow the bruschetta mix to marinate for 5-10 minutes before adding to pasta to enhance flavors.
- Use a good quality balsamic glaze: A rich, sweet balsamic can elevate the entire dish.
- Serve immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed warm to preserve the fresh tomato and basil flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 479kcal
Carbohydrates: 70g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
