Ingredients
Scale
Gathering these ingredients is like preparing for a culinary story-telling session, where each item has its place and purpose. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A splash of white wine for deglazing
If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. You can also experiment with different herbs, just like my mother, Elena, who loved adding her own twist to every dish.
Instructions
Now, let’s embark on a culinary journey where each step is a brushstroke in creating a beloved family masterpiece.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. If using, add a splash of white wine and let it simmer for another minute.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic and oil mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, tossing until the cheese is melted and the herbs are evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
