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This elegant pasta dish celebrates the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes transformed into a velvety sauce. Fresh herbs, aromatic garlic, and a gentle heat from chili flakes create a quintessential Italian meal that comes together in just 15 minutes, bringing authentic Tuscan flavors to your table.
This cherished recipe comes from generations of Italian home cooking, where garden-fresh tomatoes were transformed into memorable family meals. The beauty lies in allowing quality ingredients to shine through minimal intervention.
Essential Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: Select plump, ripe specimens with vivid color
- Fresh basil: Look for bright green, aromatic leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil: Choose a premium Italian variety
- Garlic: Fresh whole cloves, peeled and minced
- Parmigiano-Reggiano: Aged cheese for optimal flavor
Preparation Method
- Initial Preparation:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Add whole tomatoes to begin their transformation.
- Aromatics:
- Introduce minced garlic and chili flakes, stirring until fragrant.
- Sauce Development:
- Press tomatoes gently as they cook, allowing them to burst and release their juices.
- Pasta:
- Cook pasta in salted water until tender yet firm. Reserve cooking water.
- Final Assembly:
- Combine pasta with sauce, adding reserved water to achieve desired consistency.
- Garnishing:
- Finish with torn basil and freshly grated cheese.
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The natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes makes this dish particularly appealing. Even selective eaters often discover a new appreciation for tomatoes through this preparation method.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. A chilled Pinot Grigio makes an excellent accompaniment.
Variations
Enhance with sautéed shrimp or fresh mozzarella. For additional heat, increase chili flakes or add fresh peppers.
Storage
Refrigerate in sealed containers up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of water, stirring to restore the sauce's consistency.
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This dish exemplifies the beauty of Italian cooking - quality ingredients prepared simply create extraordinary results. Each component plays an essential role in the final harmony of flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the sauce in advance?
- Absolutely! The tomato sauce can be made 2-3 days ahead. Store it in the fridge and reheat when you're ready for pasta.
- → What’s a good cherry tomato replacement?
- You could use grape tomatoes or chopped regular ones. Just go for any ripe and flavorful tomatoes you have on hand.
- → How long can I keep leftover pasta?
- Pop any leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container and they’ll stay good for 4-5 days.
- → Is freezing the sauce possible?
- Yes, the cherry tomato sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
- → Which pasta pairs well with this sauce?
- Spaghetti is great, but options like linguine or even short pasta shapes work perfectly too.