Pasta Perfection Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s super quick and easy to make, yet it feels like a gourmet meal with its vibrant cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Plus, the hint of lemon zest and red pepper flakes give it that perfect zing that keeps me coming back for more!

I adore making uncomplicated dishes that are absolutely packed with flavor, and Pasta Perfection is just that. It starts with 12 oz of spaghetti, which is elevated by the richness of olive oil, the aromatics of garlic (and in my case, a bit of extra garlic), and red pepper flakes.

The dish then calls for a burst of fresh cherry tomatoes (which is now the season to use in your area) and divinely fragrant basil, plus a touch of lemon zest, which lifts the flavors and makes them even more harmonious. And of course—Pasta Perfection is not a perfectionist dish if it lacks—there’s a shower of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on top.

Ingredients

The healthy fat that is olive oil is abundant in antioxidants and nutrients that are good for the heart.

Garlic: Contributes flavorful aroma; recognized for its immune-strengthening characteristics.

Tomatoes, sweet and full of flavor; abundant with vitamins and antioxidants.

Basil Is a Culinary Delight: These fresh leaves are bursting with flavor and are not short on nutrients.

They contain high amounts of vitamins A and K and low amounts of calories.

Parmesan cheese supplies savory depth and is a good source of both calcium and protein.

Lemon Zest: Dishes are brightened with a citrusy aroma; they are made rich in vitamin C.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup pasta cooking water
• Lemon zest from 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare the spaghetti in a large pot of water that has been salted and brought to a rolling boil, following the directions on the package and taking care to ensure that the final product is al dente. Before draining the pot, remember to save 1/4 cup of the water in which the pasta cooked, as the starchy liquid can be quite useful.

2. At the same time as the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it is no longer raw but fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Place the red pepper flakes into the skillet and stir for a few seconds with the garlic to combine.

4. The cherry tomatoes are added to the skillet and cooked until they start to soften and let loose their juices, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Turn down the heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt into the mixture of tomatoes and onions.

6. Combine the tomato and garlic mixture with the drained spaghetti by adding it to the skillet. Toss the spaghetti in the mixture to coat it evenly.

7. Add the reserved pasta cooking water and mix to form a thin sauce that evenly coats the pasta.

8. Combine the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and well combined.

9. Add salt and pepper to the pasta to taste, and for a fresh, bright flavor, mix in the lemon zest.

10. Immediately serve, if desired, with the optional garnishments of more basil leaves and Parmesan cheese. Then savor your plate of Pasta Perfection!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Skillet
3. Colander
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cup
6. Garlic press or knife for mincing
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Grater or zester
9. Chef’s knife
10. Cutting board

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?Yes, you can use other kinds of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Q: How can I make this dish spicier?If you want to up the spiciness, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or some freshly chopped chili peppers.
• Q: Is it necessary to save pasta cooking water?Q: Does pasta cooking water help in the creation of silky sauces that cling to the pasta?

  A: Yes, the pasta cooking water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta by combining with the butter and cheese.

• Q: Can this recipe be made vegan?A: Yes, replace the unsalted butter with olive oil or a vegan butter, and use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?To ensure safe consumption, refrigerate leftover food in an airtight container for no more than 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Q: Can I add protein to this dish?Certainly! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms are absolutely great ways to ramp up the protein content.

Substitutions and Variations

Whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta can be used instead of traditional spaghetti.
Olive oil: Can be replaced with avocado oil or vegetable oil.
Cherry tomatoes: You can substitute the following for cherry tomatoes: regular tomatoes (diced) or sun-dried tomatoes.
Parmesan cheese: Good alternatives are Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
Basil leaves, fresh: In their absence, fresh spinach or arugula can be used in place of basil.

Pro Tips

1. Boost Garlic Flavor To enhance the garlic flavor, gently simmer the minced garlic in olive oil on low heat for a longer period. This will allow the garlic to infuse the oil more deeply without burning.

2. Prevent Overcooking the Pasta Slightly undercook your spaghetti by about a minute less than the package instructions before draining. It will continue to cook when combined with the sauce in the skillet, absorbing the flavors without becoming mushy.

3. Tomato Sweetness For an extra burst of sweetness, you can briefly roast the cherry tomatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) with a drizzle of olive oil before adding them to the skillet. This can enhance their natural sweetness and add depth to the dish.

4. Herb Infusion Instead of solely adding fresh basil at the end, incorporate a few whole basil leaves into the olive oil while sautéing the garlic. Remove them before adding the red pepper flakes for a subtle basil infusion throughout the dish.

5. Velvety Sauce Create a creamier sauce by emulsifying the pasta water and butter. Vigorously stir in the reserved starchy pasta water with the butter over low heat to create a silky, well-integrated sauce that clings beautifully to the spaghetti.