Quick Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato mixture.
5. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the chopped basil just before serving.
7. Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired.