Quick, tasty pasta with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, ready in 20 minutes.
# Components:
→ 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 - 0.7 oz grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
09 - Handful fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
# Method:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
03 - Add halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
04 - Transfer drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water bit by bit to achieve a silky sauce consistency.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves if desired.
