Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Crispy Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 poundpasta
- 1½ poundscherry tomatoes
- 6 clovesgarlic
- ⅓ cupolive oil
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoonkosher salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- ¼ cupfresh basil
- ½ cupparmesan cheese
Prep
- 01
Mince 6 cloves garlic.
- 02
Chop 1/4 cup fresh basil.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- 02
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 03
Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to burst and release their juices.
- 04
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with tomatoes. Toss to combine, adding pasta water a splash at a time (about 1/2 cup) until the sauce coats the noodles.
- 05
Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
- 06
Divide into bowls and top generously with parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
For gentle warmth, keep the red pepper flakes at 1/4 teaspoon. For more heat, increase to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne. Fresh lemon zest stirred in at the end brightens the tomato flavor.
This dish is best served immediately while warm. For extra richness, stir in a knob of butter at the end.