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Fresh Spaghetti Margherita Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 667 reviews

Fresh Spaghetti Margherita is a vibrant and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed with a garlic-infused olive oil sauce, sweet and tender cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a melty blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This quick skillet-cooked meal offers a perfect balance of savory and fresh ingredients, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti noodles

Sauce and Toppings

  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 5–6 cloves)
  • 4 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (more or less to taste)
  • ½ cup chopped fresh basil (additional for garnish, if desired)
  • 1 ½ cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella pearls)
  • ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (additional for garnish, if desired)

Instructions

  1. Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of uncooked spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
  2. Heat Olive Oil and Garlic: In a large 14-inch skillet, add ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil and heat over medium-low heat. Once the oil shimmers but does not smoke, add 2 tablespoons minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant and sizzling, ensuring the garlic does not brown.
  3. Cook Tomatoes: Add 4 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes, 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Cover the skillet and cook the mixture for 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes soften and can be easily smashed with the back of a spoon.
  4. Combine Basil and Pasta: Stir in ½ cup chopped fresh basil followed by the cooked spaghetti noodles. Toss thoroughly to ensure the noodles are fully coated with the tomato sauce and heated through.
  5. Add Cheeses and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Immediately stir in 1 ½ cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese and ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese to the pasta mixture, allowing them to melt gently. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a crack of black pepper before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh mozzarella pearls for an authentic texture and flavor.
  • The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes; adjust to taste.
  • Cooking the tomatoes slowly over medium-low heat brings out natural sweetness and softness.
  • For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
  • Fresh basil added just before combining with the pasta preserves its bright, aromatic flavor.
  • This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the melted cheese and fresh textures.

Keywords: Spaghetti Margherita, Italian pasta recipe, fresh tomato pasta, mozzarella pasta, basil spaghetti, vegetarian pasta dish

Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/fresh-spaghetti-margherita-recipe/