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.
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.