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+ servings

Old School Spaghetti

This simple and satisfying spaghetti is a love letter to the power of fresh ingredients and classic technique. With sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and just the right amount of seasoning, it's the kind of no-fuss dinner that feels comforting and a little special — all in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Classic Comfort, Pasta, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian, Weeknight Meals
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 1 pinch sugar optional, if tomatoes are tart
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped or torn
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add cherry tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and soften. Lightly mash a few to create a sauce.
  • Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
  • Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat, adding more water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and toss gently to combine.
  • Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top. Enjoy!

Notes

Add red pepper flakes for a kick, or stir in mascarpone or sautéed greens for a richer variation.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcal
Keyword basil, cherry tomatoes, fresh summer, pantry pasta, simple sauce
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