Spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and pine nuts: a creamy, fragrant dish

Name: Spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and pine nuts: a creamy, fragrant dish
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 Parmigiano Reggiano; 1 garlic clove; Extra-virgin olive oil, to taste; Fresh basil, to taste; Salt, to taste

Main Dish

Very Easy

20 min

543 Kcal

Some recipes work precisely because they focus on the essentials and on well-balanced combinations. In this dish, spaghetti is tossed with a fresh cherry tomato sauce made by sautéing the tomatoes in extra-virgin olive oil with garlic and basil, releasing intense, inviting aromas as they cook. Toasted pine nuts complete the dish with a pleasant crunch, creating an interesting contrast in textures. A final toss with Parmigiano Reggiano brings the ingredients together naturally without overpowering their flavors. The result is a harmonious, satisfying pasta dish that brings Mediterranean flavors together in the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, the crunch of the pine nuts and the delicacy of the cheese—ideal for anyone who loves to serve simple yet flavorful dishes.

Ingredients

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

Materials

Skillet
Pot
Ladle
Tongs (optional)

Preparation

Preparation10 min

Cook time10 min

Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under running water, dry them, and cut them in half. Set 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 the pine nuts in a hot nonstick skillet, without adding any fat, until lightly golden. Set them aside.
Turn off the heat and finish the dish by adding the grated Parmesan a little at a time, stirring vigorously with tongs until creamy. 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 should I store leftover spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and pine nuts?

Already-seasoned spaghetti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in a tightly sealed, airtight container. When reheating, add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a tablespoon of hot water to soften the dish.

How can I make spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and pine nuts spicier without overpowering the flavor?

For a balanced touch of heat, add a pinch of chopped fresh or dried chili pepper directly to the hot oil along with the garlic. This allows the heat to spread evenly, enhancing the flavor of the cherry tomatoes without overpowering it.

Why is finishing the spaghetti with the sauce so important?

This is an essential step because it allows the cherry tomato sauce to combine with the starch from the pasta and the grated Parmigiano. This process makes the spaghetti creamy, luscious and well combined, improving both the texture and the final flavor of the dish.

Can I make the cherry tomato sauce in advance?

Yes, the cherry tomato sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Before using it, warm it gently in a skillet and add a little pasta cooking water to restore its creaminess.

Can I substitute another ingredient for the pine nuts?

Yes, you can replace the pine nuts with sliced almonds, chopped walnuts or toasted cashews. These alternatives retain the crunch and add a different but equally pleasant flavor.