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Cherry Tomato Pasta

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Cherry Tomato Pasta is a fresh and comforting dish where sweet cherry tomatoes cook into a light, silky sauce with olive oil, garlic, and onion, then get tossed with spaghetti, butter, and basil. It’s a simple yet vibrant meal perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

1/3 cup olive oil

1 small onion, peeled and finely diced

Kosher salt, to taste

2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

22 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved

1 pound spaghetti or pasta of choice

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 handful basil leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a few generous pinches of kosher salt. Stir, cover, and cook for about 7 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent without browning.
  2. Add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  3. Remove the lid and continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the tomato mixture thickens slightly. Turn off the heat while the pasta cooks.
  4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions if finishing in the sauce. Reserve about 3/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  5. Return to the tomato sauce and add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Bring the sauce to a rapid simmer and cook for about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  6. Add the drained pasta and butter to the sauce. Toss for about 1 minute until the pasta is evenly coated and glossy.
  7. Stir in the chopped basil and serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute spaghetti with linguine, bucatini, penne, or rigatoni.
  • For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano before serving for extra flavor.
  • Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more texture and nutrition.
  • Increase the crushed red pepper if you prefer a spicier pasta.
  • A spoonful of tomato paste can be added with the garlic for a deeper tomato flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals while stirring.

Nutrition

Find it online: http://recipesbyjanet.com/cherry-tomato-pasta/