Better Than Olive Garden Pasta Pomodoro
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this *Better Than Olive Garden Pasta Pomodoro*, a quick and easy dish that takes classic Italian comfort food to the next level. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed in a luscious, garlicky tomato sauce made from sweet, bursting cherry tomatoes and a hint of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. Fresh basil adds an aromatic touch, while a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese ties everything together with creamy elegance. With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this restaurant-quality meal can be on your dinner table in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive yet simple weekend dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve it with a side of crusty bread for an irresistible homemade feast. This crowd-pleaser is destined to become your go-to pasta recipe!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes (or Roma tomatoes, diced)
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp sugar
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
Step 3
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are soft and begin to burst. Use a wooden spoon to gently crush some of the tomatoes for a saucier consistency.
Step 4
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and sugar. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Step 6
Stir in the fresh basil and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until evenly distributed.
Step 7
Serve the Pasta Pomodoro immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (353.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 553.8 |
| Total Fat 3.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.5g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 594.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 108.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 6.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2.7g | |
| Protein 20.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 44.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 203.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories