Nonna Teresa’s Pasta

You know, every time I think about Nonna Teresa’s Pasta, I can almost smell that rich aroma wafting from the kitchen, filled with the garlic sizzling in olive oil, and, oh, those sweet cherry tomatoes bubbling away. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, really. You can just feel the love in every bite. This dish isn’t just food—it’s an experience, a taste of home that makes you want to gather everyone around the table and share. Seriously, it’s simple, quick, and so packed with flavor that you might just make it your go-to pasta dish… forever.

Why You’ll Crave It

• It comes together in no time—perfect for those busy weeknights.
• Fresh ingredients really shine, making every bite a celebration of flavor.
• It’s so versatile! Switch up the veggies or add a protein… your choice.
• Garnish it with parmesan and basil, and it’s basically a masterpiece.
• Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds… or even thirds!

The first time I made this, my family almost fought over the last serving!

What You’ll Need

• Pasta: 400g of dried spaghetti or linguine—something with a bit of a bite.
• Olive oil: 4 tablespoons—extra virgin if you can; it really makes a difference!
• Garlic: 4 cloves, thinly sliced—because garlic is life, right?
• Chili flakes: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)—for that little kick of heat!
• Cherry tomatoes: 500g, halved—bursting with sweetness.
• Basil: a handful of fresh leaves, torn—adds such a fresh note.
• Salt: to taste—don’t forget this!
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated, for serving—always a must!

Easy How-To

Getting Things Cooking

Alright, first things first, fill a nice big pot with water, sprinkle in a good amount of salt, and put it on to boil. Meanwhile, grab a large skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. As it warms, toss in your sliced garlic. Now, keep an eye on that garlic because we don’t want it to burn—it should just get all lovely and fragrant! Then, add in your chili flakes (if you’re feeling feisty) followed by those halved cherry tomatoes… oh, they start to pop and sizzle… trust me, it’s mouth-watering.

Good to Know

• Feel free to throw in some veggies like zucchini or spinach—whatever’s in season!
• This dish actually tastes better with a bit of time… let those flavors meld together.
• If you happen to have leftover pasta, just toss it with some olive oil and enjoy it cold the next day!

Serving Ideas

• Serve it alongside a fresh green salad and some crusty bread, and you’re golden.

Top Tricks

• For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before the tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the pasta is cooked?

Well, taste it! It should be al dente—a little firm but not hard… just right!

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

No worries! Dried basil works in a pinch, but fresh is really where the magic happens!

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Feel free to switch it up with whatever pasta shape you love… it’ll still be delicious!

How can I spice it up more?

Besides chili flakes, consider adding crushed red pepper or even some sautéed bell peppers for a pop of flavor!

Any tips for storing leftovers?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days—just reheat gently on the stove!

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So, there you have it—Nonna Teresa’s Pasta, a dish that’s not just a recipe, but a way to connect with loved ones over good food. I hope you enjoy every moment of making it, and maybe even create your own memories along the way! Happy cooking!