Cherry Tomato Caper Spaghetti

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly simple, Cherry Tomato Caper Spaghetti is a vibrant Italian-inspired pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Featuring sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes, briny capers, and a kick of red chili flakes, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of bold flavors and comforting textures. The sauce, enhanced with garlic and finished with fragrant fresh basil, lightly coats al dente spaghetti for a wonderfully light yet satisfying meal. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, it’s a quick, one-pan recipe that delivers gourmet flavor without the fuss. Don’t forget the final touch of freshly grated parmesan—pure perfection in every bite! Whether you're looking for a vegetarian-friendly dish or a crowd-pleaser packed with Mediterranean flair, this pasta will become your go-to favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 g spaghetti
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
• 400 g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.5 cup reserved pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the spaghetti aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Stir in the red chili flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Step 5

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down, forming a light sauce.

Step 6

Stir in the capers and cook for 1-2 minutes more, allowing their briny flavor to infuse the sauce.

Step 7

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine.

Step 8

Pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.

Step 9

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves.

Step 11

Serve the spaghetti onto individual plates or bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Step 12

Garnish with additional basil leaves if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1056.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1138.3

Total Fat 57.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 3493.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 117.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.3g	0%
Total Sugars 13.3g
Protein 40.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 666.2mg	0%
Iron 12.1mg	0%
Potassium 1401.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.2%

Protein: 14.2%

Carbs: 40.6%