Ingredients

The following ingredients have 5 Servings
  • 1 pound thin spaghetti + reserved pasta water
  • Fine sea salt + freshly cracked pepper
  • 8 cloves fresh garlic, (sliced into very thin slivers)
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, (separated)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, (optional)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ((plus additional for topping if desired))
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, (finely chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons red onion, (finely chopped)
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil, (ripped)

Instruction

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add in 2 tablespoons of salt and the pasta. Cook according to package directions and before draining, remove and set aside 1 and 1/2 cups of the pasta's cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside. 
  • Meanwhile, add 1/3 cup olive oil to a large shallow pot (big enough it can hold all the spaghetti later) over medium heat and add in the thin slivers of garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring near constantly, until the garlic begins to get golden on the edges. Watch carefully to avoid burning the garlic! Add in the red pepper flakes (if using; add to heat preference) and cook for another 30 seconds. Carefully add in the reserved 1 and 1/2 cups pasta cooking water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 7 minutes or until the mixture is reduced by 1/3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add your drained pasta to this mixture and toss vigorously to coat. Remove from heat, add 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and again, toss vigorously to coat. 
  • Meanwhile: prepare the tomato topping: add all of the finely chopped cherry tomatoes to a large bowl. Top with the red onion, ripped basil and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir with a spoon and let stand until the rest of the dish is finished.
  • Add the tomato topping to this finished pasta. Taste and adjust seasonings. Toss and serve with additional parmesan as desired.
  • Meal is best enjoyed the same day it's made.