Description
Sweet Garlic Tomato Basil Casarecce is a vibrant and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring tender casarecce pasta tossed with a garlicky cherry tomato sauce, enhanced by balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this vegetarian recipe highlights the fresh, natural sweetness of tomatoes combined with aromatic herbs and a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 ounces casarecce pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the casarecce pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn or chopped basil leaves until well combined. Serve the dish immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute any short pasta if casarecce is unavailable.
- For added protein, top the dish with grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
- This pasta dish is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
