Spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and pine nuts: creamy and fragrant recipe

Name: Spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and pine nuts: creamy and fragrant recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 7 oz spaghetti; 1½ cups cherry tomatoes; 1 tbsp pine nuts; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 garlic clove; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fresh basil to taste; Salt to taste

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Main Dish

Very Easy

20 min

551 Kcal

This spaghetti dish keeps it simple and lets the essentials shine: a fresh cherry tomato sauce sautéed with garlic, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil, plus toasted pine nuts for crunch. A final toss with Parmesan cheese ties everything together without overpowering the flavors. The result is a light, harmonious pasta with true Mediterranean character: simple, fresh, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

7 oz spaghetti
1½ cups cherry tomatoes
1 tbsp pine nuts
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Fresh basil to taste
Salt to taste

Materials

Frying pan
Pan
Ladle

Preparation

Preparation10 min

Cook time10 min

Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under running water, dry them and cut them in half. Keep them aside.
Pour a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil into a large saucepan, add the garlic clove and let it brown gently. Add the cherry tomatoes, a pinch of salt and a few basil leaves broken up with your hands.
Cook over medium-high heat for 9 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and crushing the cherry tomatoes slightly to help the juice escape.
Cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted water and drain them very al dente directly in the pan with the cherry tomato sauce, after removing the garlic. Add a ladleful of the cooking water and stir to combine, then finish cooking in the pan.
Toast pine nuts in a hot nonstick skillet, without adding fat, until lightly browned. Keep them aside.
Turn off the heat and proceed with the mantecatura, adding the grated Parmesan a little at a time and stirring vigorously with tongs until a creamy consistency is achieved. If necessary, add a little more cooking water.
Top the dish with toasted pine nuts and decorate with a few fresh basil leaves before serving.

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FAQ ❓

How to store leftover spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and pine nuts?

Already seasoned spaghetti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, tightly sealed in an airtight container. When it is time to reheat them, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a tablespoon of hot water to restore softness to the dish.

How can I spice up spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and pine nuts without covering the flavor?

To give a balanced spicy note, add a pinch of chopped or dried fresh chili directly into the hot oil along with the garlic. This way the spiciness spreads evenly, enhancing the flavor of the cherry tomatoes without overpowering it.

Can I make the cherry tomato sauce in advance?

Yes, cherry tomato sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days inside an airtight container. Before using it, heat it gently in a pan and add a little pasta cooking water to restore the creaminess.

Can I substitute pine nuts with another ingredient?

Yes, pine nuts can be substituted with slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or roasted cashews. These alternatives retain the crunchy component and add a different but equally pleasant flavor note.