Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

This vibrant Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes dish combines the sweetness of ripe cherry tomatoes with the heartiness of whole grain pasta, creating a delightful and healthy meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• Whole grain pasta - 150 grams
• Cherry tomatoes - 250 grams
• Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Fresh basil leaves - 10 leaves, chopped
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Red pepper flakes - 1/4 teaspoon (optional)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to burst and release their juices.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes.
5. Toss the pasta with the tomatoes, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired sauce consistency is reached.
6. Stir in the chopped basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil and cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 16 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber from whole grain pasta, promoting digestive health.
• Cherry tomatoes are high in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

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