Imagine a dish that combines the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with the luxurious creaminess of brie cheese, all wrapped up in a symphony of fresh garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a pasta dish that's both incredibly easy to make and devastatingly delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 8 ounces brie cheese, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of chopped fresh basil, 8 ounces of diced brie cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes. Toss everything together gently to combine.
- If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil and diced brie cheese. Continue to toss the pasta until the brie begins to melt and coat the pasta evenly.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Pasta with Garlic, Tomatoes, Basil, and Brie!
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your basil, tomatoes, and brie will make a significant difference in the final flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente is key - it should have a slight bite and won't become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps the ingredients stick together.
- Gently melt the brie: Avoid high heat, which can cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.
- Adjust seasoning carefully: Brie is already salty, so be conservative with additional salt.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, when the cheese is still melty and the basil is fresh.
- Optional upgrade: For extra richness, add a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
