Ingredients
– 12 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your Lemon Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes:
1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together gently.
5. Adjust Consistency: If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
6. Season: Stir in the chopped basil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve Immediately: Transfer to serving dishes and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
These simple steps will guide you to create the perfect Lemon Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes that bursts with flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 9g