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Quick Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy 15-minute pasta recipe featuring garlic, cherry tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 pint (about 300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) pasta cooking water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup (60ml) of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  3. Toss in 1 pint (about 300g) halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and start to release their juices but still hold shape.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic oil. Pour in the reserved 1/4 cup (60ml) pasta water and toss everything together with tongs or a wooden spoon to create a silky sauce.
  5. Remove from heat. Sprinkle 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until cheese melts and coats the pasta. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add fresh basil if desired.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Avoid burning garlic by cooking over medium or medium-low heat. Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce. If sauce is dry, add more pasta water or a splash of olive oil. For vegan version, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use plant-based pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic parmesan pasta, cherry tomatoes, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, 15-minute meal, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/quick-garlic-parmesan-pasta-with-cherry-tomatoes-easy-15-minute-recipe/