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Flavorful Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta with Brown Butter and Fresh Basil

Flavorful Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta - featured image
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A simple yet elevated pasta dish featuring nutty brown butter, juicy burst cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a fresh and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 cups (300 grams) cherry tomatoes, ripe and bursting with sweetness
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt 6 tablespoons (85 grams) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently. After about 5 minutes, the butter will foam, then start turning golden with a nutty aroma. Once brown specks form and the aroma is nutty, remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
  3. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the browned butter. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups (300 grams) cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and start to burst. Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if desired.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and brown butter. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time (about 1/4 cup or 60 ml increments) to loosen the sauce and coat the noodles evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Tear about 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves and gently fold them into the pasta just before serving.
  6. Plate the pasta and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil on top for added richness.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning; remove from heat as soon as nutty aroma and brown specks appear. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly. Add fresh basil off the heat to preserve its bright flavor and color. For vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter or extra olive oil and omit Parmesan or use vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, brown butter pasta, fresh basil pasta, easy pasta recipe, summer pasta, quick dinner, homemade pasta sauce

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/flavorful-burst-cherry-tomato-pasta-recipe-with-brown-butter-and-fresh-basil-easy-and-homemade/