Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

This Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes & Parmesan Cheese is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil come together with creamy Parmesan to create a comforting sauce that pairs beautifully with al dente pasta.

Ingredients

• 450 g Spaghetti (16 oz)
• 1–1½ litres Boiled water (33–50 oz)
• 2 tsp Salt
• 500 g Cherry tomatoes (17.6 oz)
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 Garlic cloves (freshly pressed or chopped)
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• ½ tsp Black pepper
• ½ tsp Piri-piri pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp Sriracha sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp Fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• 1 tsp Honey
• 240 ml Pasta water (1 cup)
• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese (coarsely grated)
• Salt (to taste)
• Fresh basil leaves (chopped, for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (coarsely grated, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring the water to a boil in a large pot, then add 2 teaspoons of salt.
2. Step 2: Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in halves.
3. Step 3: In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pressed or chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the spaghetti to the boiling salted water and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
5. Step 5: While the pasta cooks, add the halved tomatoes to the garlic oil. Let them soften, then gently press with a spatula so that some of their juices release to form a sauce.
6. Step 6: Season the tomato mixture with onion powder, black pepper, piri-piri pepper (if using), honey, and sriracha sauce (if you like it spicy). Stir to combine.
7. Step 7: Pour about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water into the sauce and stir.
8. Step 8: Add the chopped fresh basil to the sauce, then let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
9. Step 9: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and keep mixing until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
10. Step 10: Drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the pan with the sauce.
11. Step 11: Toss the pasta and sauce together over low heat for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to coat the spaghetti evenly.
12. Step 12: Serve topped with extra chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try adding a knob of butter to the sauce when stirring in Parmesan.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes if fresh are not available.
• Adjust the heat by omitting the piri-piri and sriracha or by adding more for extra spice.
• For a vegan version, omit Parmesan and finish with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this sauce works well with many pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or linguine. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How can I tell when the spaghetti is al dente?

Al dente pasta should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Taste a strand a minute or two before the package suggests to check.

Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 129 reviews

A simple and flavorful spaghetti recipe featuring fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed with garlic, aromatic herbs, and Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy, vibrant sauce. Perfectly cooked al dente pasta tossed in a lightly spiced tomato sauce with fresh basil, delivering a delicious and comforting Italian-inspired meal.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spaghetti

• 450 g Spaghetti (16 oz)
• 1–1½ litres Boiled water (33 – 50 oz)
• 2 tsp Salt

Sauce

• 500 g Cherry tomatoes (17.6 oz), halved
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 Garlic cloves, freshly pressed or chopped
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• ½ tsp Black pepper
• ½ tsp Piri-piri pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp Sriracha sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp Honey
• 240 ml Pasta water (1 cup)
• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated
• Salt, to taste
• Additional fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
• Additional Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated, for garnish

Instructions

1. Boil water: Start by boiling 1 to 1½ liters of water in a large pot, adding 2 teaspoons of salt for seasoning the pasta water.
2. Prep tomatoes: While the water is heating, wash and cut the cherry tomatoes in halves to prepare them for the sauce.
3. Sauté garlic: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of freshly pressed or chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
4. Cook spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling salted water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
5. Add tomatoes: Once the garlic is ready, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan.
6. Press tomatoes: When the tomatoes start to soften, gently press them with a spatula to release their juices and create a sauce base.
7. Season sauce: Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon piri-piri pepper (optional), 1 teaspoon honey, and if desired, 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
8. Add pasta water: Pour in about 240 ml (1 cup) of the reserved pasta water to help loosen and enrich the sauce.
9. Add basil and simmer: Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
10. Add Parmesan: Mix in 3 tablespoons of coarsely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts, making the sauce creamy.
11. Drain pasta: Once the spaghetti is cooked al dente, drain it carefully, reserving some pasta water if needed.
12. Toss pasta with sauce: Transfer the spaghetti to the pan with the tomato-Parmesan sauce and toss well. Simmer together for 30 seconds while stirring to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
13. Garnish and serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional chopped basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Adjust the spiciness by modifying or omitting the piri-piri pepper and Sriracha sauce based on your preference.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting into the sauce.
• This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture of the sauce.
• For a vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Keywords: spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, Italian pasta, easy pasta recipe, garlic pasta sauce, tomato pasta sauce, basil pasta, simple dinner