Perfectly Balanced Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Keyword: balanced pasta dish

Cooking a balanced pasta dish that is both tasty and nutritious can be a real challenge, but this recipe for pasta with cherry tomatoes ticks all the right boxes. The dish is light yet filling, packed full of essential vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, while offering a satisfying richness from olive oil. This recipe is simple to follow, making it ideal for busy days or beginners in the kitchen.

The total cooking time required is approximately 25 minutes, producing enough pasta with cherry tomatoes to serve four people. This makes it perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering of friends. Let's dive into how this balanced pasta dish can be prepared step-by-step:

1. Ingredients: For this balanced pasta dish you will need:
   • 200g of pasta (you can choose any shape and variety, such as penne or fusilli)
   • 150g cherry tomatoes
   • 1 onion
   • 3 garlic cloves
   • Extra virgin olive oil (around 4 tablespoons)
   • Salt
   • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
2. Preparation: Start by boiling the water. Add a good pinch of salt to the water once it starts to simmer, and then add your pasta. Let’s cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cherry tomatoes and onions. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and slice the onion finely.

Cooking Process:

4. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is warm enough, add the sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until they become translucent. This step is important as it adds flavor and texture.
5. Once the onions are softened, add in your finely chopped garlic cloves and cook gently for another minute to let out the aroma of garlic. Garlic not only provides an essential flavor but also has health benefits like boosting immunity and enhancing heart health.

The aroma from cooking vegetables is one of those signs that you’re about to enjoy a meal that’s rich in nutrients, and it certainly applies here. The balanced pasta dish promises a delightful experience both for its taste as well as the goodness it provides. After sautéing onions and garlic, it's time to add the cherry tomatoes. Break up any larger ones with your hands or a spoon into smaller pieces.

6. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the frying pan if you have not already done so. Then add the cherry tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes until they are softened. This cooking time allows them to release their juices, which will mix beautifully with the pasta, creating a vibrant red sauce.
7. Now that your vegetables are ready, it’s time to combine everything together. Drain the al dente pasta into a colander, reserving some of the pasta water if needed. Return the drained pasta back to the pot and add in the sautéed onions, garlic, and cherry tomatoes along with about 1/4 cup of reserved cooking water.

At this point, toss everything gently to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the olive oil. Season with salt according to your taste preference, and then garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and additional flavor.

Tips: For extra flavor, you can also add a pinch of dried oregano or red pepper flakes when you are sautéing the garlic. This not only adds a burst of heat but also enhances the overall taste profile of the dish. If you prefer to make this balanced pasta dish less spicy, simply omit these optional ingredients.

Final Thoughts:

This perfectly balanced pasta with cherry tomatoes is not just about the flavor and nutrition it provides; it’s a recipe that can be adapted in many ways based on your personal taste. You could also add some grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost, or try tossing in some cooked spinach leaves towards the end of cooking for an even healthier option.

The versatility of this dish makes it suitable for various occasions and dietary preferences. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quick weeknight dinner or plan a special meal with loved ones, this balanced pasta dish is sure to become a favorite recipe in your kitchen.