Jo and Bart's Cherry Tomato Pasta: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
Are you craving a quick, delicious, and satisfying pasta dish? Look no further! This recipe, inspired by the culinary duo Jo and Bart, features the vibrant flavors of fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It's easy to make, adaptable to your taste, and perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual dinner party. Let's dive into the simple steps to recreate this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed for two servings, but easily scales up or down.
- 1 pound pasta: Choose your favorite shape! Spaghetti, penne, or even linguine work wonderfully.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes: Halved or quartered, depending on their size. The more the merrier!
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced – the aroma is key!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin, for that rich flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil: Roughly chopped – the essential herb for this dish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
- Optional additions: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
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Simmer the tomatoes: Add the halved/quartered cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
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Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Stir in basil and season: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat, if desired.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately. Garnish with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the skillet with the tomatoes for a more complex taste.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would be delicious additions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.
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