Dave's Perfect Pasta

Indulge in the creamy, flavor-packed goodness of Dave’s Perfect Pasta, a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home. This dish combines al dente spaghetti with a luscious sauce made from sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and velvety heavy cream, elevated by a touch of heat from red chili flakes and the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. Topped with fresh basil for a burst of herbal freshness, this pasta recipe is a delightful balance of simplicity and sophistication. Ready in just 30 minutes, Dave’s Perfect Pasta is a crowd-pleasing meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste while keeping prep and cooking time low. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for an easy dinner idea, this dish will surely become a go-to favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves
• 300 grams cherry tomatoes
• 200 milliliters heavy cream
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 10 pieces fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 liters water

Directions

Step 1

Bring 3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.

Step 2

Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the rest.

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and gently mash the cherry tomatoes with a fork or spoon to create a chunky sauce.

Step 7

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stir to combine, and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 8

Add the Parmesan cheese, red chili flakes, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt to taste. Stir until the Parmesan is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 9

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 10

Chop the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta. Toss gently to incorporate.

Step 11

Serve the pasta immediately with additional grated Parmesan on top, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4042.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1822.3

Total Fat 113.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 244.5mg	0%
Sodium 2862.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 141.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.0g	0%
Total Sugars 11.6g
Protein 42.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 737.4mg	0%
Iron 8.5mg	0%
Potassium 973.0mg	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: 58.1%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 32.2%