Stanley Tucci's Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 12 oz Spaghetti (dry, preferably bronze‑cut for better sauce adhesion)
• 4 Fresh Tomatoes (medium, ripe, diced)
• 1 Yellow Onion (medium, finely chopped)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup Fresh Basil (torn leaves, loosely packed)
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for sautéing)
• 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
• ½ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
• ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, optional for serving)

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta Water

   Fill a large pot with 4‑5 quarts of water, add 1 Tbsp kosher salt, and bring to a rolling boil.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 212°F

2. Cook Spaghetti

   Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 9‑11 minutes, or according to package directions).

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: 212°F

3. Prepare Aromatics

   While the pasta cooks, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the fresh tomatoes. Tear the basil leaves.

   Time: PT5M

4. Sauté Onion and Garlic

   Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: Medium

5. Add Fresh Tomatoes

   Stir in the diced tomatoes, increase heat to medium‑high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and release their juices, about 6 minutes.

   Time: PT6M

   Temperature: Medium‑High

6. Finish Sauce with Basil

   Remove the skillet from heat, fold in the torn basil leaves, and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

   Time: PT1M

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Drain the spaghetti using a colander, then add it directly to the skillet with the tomato‑basil sauce. Toss gently, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a glossy coating.

   Time: PT2M

8. Plate and Serve

   Divide the pasta among four plates, sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and garnish with a few extra basil leaves.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

410

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

72 g

Fat

6 g

Fiber

4 g