Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne work beautifully)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional but adds a lovely sweetness)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts (for a little crunch and depth)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, adds a subtle cheesy flavor without dairy)
- Fresh parsley or oregano for garnish
If you want to switch things up, feel free to substitute the pasta with gluten-free varieties, or use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor profile. And if you don’t have nutritional yeast, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs can add a similar textural element.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring gently. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften but still hold their shape. This step always reminds me of Mama Lou’s garden—how she’d pluck tomatoes fresh off the vine and toss them in last minute to brighten the dish.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, slowly adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky sauce that clings to each strand.
- Stir in the torn basil leaves, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast if using. Season generously with salt and pepper. I always taste and adjust here, remembering how Mama Lou believed seasoning was the heart of any good meal.
- Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts or walnuts over the top for a delightful crunch and nutty aroma, finishing with a handful of fresh parsley or oregano for color and freshness.
- Serve immediately, sharing stories and laughter around the table—just like Mama Lou, Ouma, and I used to do on those cozy evenings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
