Fast, tasty pasta featuring garlic, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh basil in a silky sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 7 oz dried spaghetti or preferred pasta
→ Sauce
02 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
05 - 3.5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Finishing
08 - 3/4 oz grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
09 - Handful fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
# How to make it:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
03 - Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices, stirring occasionally.
04 - Add drained pasta directly to skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to develop a silky sauce.
05 - Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Plate immediately, topping with extra Parmesan and torn fresh basil if desired.
