Pasta Margherita

Indulge in the comforting simplicity of Pasta Margherita, a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that brings the classic flavors of Italy to your table in just 25 minutes. This recipe features al dente spaghetti tossed in a luscious sauce of juicy, sautéed cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a hint of red chili flakes for subtle heat. Tear in creamy, fresh mozzarella that gently melts into the pasta, while aromatic basil leaves add a burst of freshness to every bite. Finished with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and optional grated parmesan for extra richness, this elegant yet approachable dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy date night. With its minimal ingredients and bold, authentic flavors, Pasta Margherita is a must-try for any lover of Italian cuisine. Serves 4 and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and a crisp white wine.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 300 grams cherry tomatoes
• 200 grams fresh mozzarella
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 15 pieces fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 50 grams parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Finely chop the garlic and add it to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to release their juices.

Step 5

Season the tomatoes with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss to coat the pasta in the tomato mixture. If the pasta looks dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 7

Tear the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, to let the cheese soften and slightly melt.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat and tear the basil leaves over the pasta. Toss gently to combine.

Step 9

Divide the pasta among serving plates. Top with grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1011.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1847.2

Total Fat 98.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g
Cholesterol 174.6mg	0%
Sodium 4478.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 148.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.7g	0%
Total Sugars 15.3g
Protein 91.9g	0%

Vitamin D 42.7IU	0%
Calcium 2093.5mg	0%
Iron 9.1mg	0%
Potassium 1243.5mg	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: 47.9%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 32.2%