Spaghetti Aglio E Olio With Tomatoes And Basil
Spaghetti Aglio E Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that's simple to make and always delicious. The name translates to "spaghetti with garlic and oil", and the dish is traditionally made with just those two ingredients, plus some red pepper flakes and parsley. However, there are many variations of this dish, and one of our favorites is Spaghetti Aglio E Olio with Tomatoes and Basil.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 8-10 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the spaghetti, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked spaghetti, reserved cooking water, and chopped basil to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated in the sauce.
- Serve the spaghetti aglio e olio with tomatoes and basil topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes is simple but flavorful, and the fresh basil adds a burst of herbaceousness. The red pepper flakes give the dish a bit of heat, but you can adjust the amount to your liking.
When selecting your ingredients, choose high-quality olive oil and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as linguine or bucatini, if you prefer a thicker noodle.
Overall, Spaghetti Aglio E Olio with Tomatoes and Basil is a classic dish with a twist that's sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy in your own home.
