Perfect Pasta

Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this "Perfect Pasta" recipe! Featuring tender spaghetti coated in a luscious, garlicky olive oil and cherry tomato sauce, this quick and easy pasta dish is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. The secret lies in emulsifying the silky sauce with reserved pasta water, creating a glossy finish that clings to every strand. Aromatic basil, a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese complete this Italian-inspired classic. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining, this versatile recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti or pasta of choice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 300 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 10 leaves fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup pasta cooking water

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices.

Step 5

Season the tomato mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.

Step 7

Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, stirring constantly to create a smooth and glossy sauce that coats the pasta.

Step 8

Stir in the fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra basil leaves and parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1055.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1304.0

Total Fat 62.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 50mg	0%
Sodium 3239.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 144.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.6g	0%
Total Sugars 10.4g
Protein 47.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 649.5mg	0%
Iron 5.8mg	0%
Potassium 1030.3mg	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: 42.3%

Protein: 14.3%

Carbs: 43.4%