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    Recipes » Margherita Pasta

    Margherita Pasta

    May 3, 2022 · 2 Comments

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    Margherita pasta is the easiest fresh pasta dish! With juicy tomatoes, sweet basil, and spaghetti, this 20 minute dinner is ideal for busy nights.

    margherita pasta in a bowl

    Recipe Inspiration

    This easy Margherita pasta was inspired by pizza Margherita. The fresh flavor of the pizza can easily be turned into a pasta sauce, and it is delicious!

    Margherita pizza was originally created to showcase the colors of the Italian flag with red from tomatoes, green from basil, and white from cheese.

    This pasta margherita has all of those colors from the classic pizza and is so good! It's a delicious summer meal and especially delicious during the peak of tomato season, when ripe tomatoes are perfect. I love serving this dish outside on the patio with a glass of white wine. Yum!

    If you're looking for other pasta recipes, check out our Creamy Pesto Pasta, Lemon Ricotta Pasta, and Pasta Fresca recipes.

    fork twirled in margherita pasta
    Jump to:
    • Recipe Inspiration
    • Why You'll Love this Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Directions
    • Kitchen Equipment
    • Recipe Substitutions/Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recipe Storage and Reheating
    • Other Recipes to Try
    • Margherita Pasta

    Why You'll Love this Recipe

    Delicious - This recipe is so delicious. Each bite is packed with flavor that your family will truly love! It's really a perfect dish for the whole family. Great for entertaining too!

    Approachable - This recipe is approachable and is easy to make. You only need a few kitchen tools to make this great recipe.

    Leftover Friendly - This Margherita pasta is perfect reheated the next day or an excellent options for meal prep! I recommend serving with tender chicken.

    margherita pasta ingredients

    Ingredients

    Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this recipe:

    • Spaghetti - Regular or thin spaghetti, whichever you prefer! You can also use other pasta shapes in this recipe like penne pasta, cavatappi.
    • Olive Oil - You can use regular or extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
    • Cherry Tomatoes - Cut in half. You can also use Roma tomatoes or any other fresh tomatoes you have on hand.
    • Garlic - Fresh garlic cloves, minced.
    • Salt
    • Black Pepper
    • White Balsamic
    • Fresh Basil - Basil leaves make this dish! I love the burst of freshness. You can also top with any other fresh herbs that you love.
    • Parmesan Cheese - For serving. You can also use fresh mozzarella balls as well!
    tomatoes and pasta in a bowl

    Directions

    Let's make this easy recipe together!

    Step 1

    Heat a large pot over salted, boiling water. Cook spaghetti until al dente on package directions, about 7 minutes.

    water boiling in a large pot

    Step 2

    While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and tomatoes and cook tomatoes for 3 minutes.

    tomatoes in a skillet

    Step 3

    Add garlic, salt, black pepper, and white balsamic to the tomatoes. Simmer until the pasta is done cooking.

    cherry tomatoes in a skillet

    Step 4

    Add cooked pasta directly to the pan with tongs and toss. If the sauce is dry, add some pasta water to loosen it and create a saucier consistency.

    pasta in a skillet with tomatoes

    Step 5

    Top with fresh basil and cheese and serve.

    tomatoes, pasta, and basil

    Kitchen Equipment

    Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.

    Saute Pan - I have this saute pan and absolutely love it. I definitely recommending investing in a good saute pan for a variety of delicious recipes!

    Pasta Bowl - I love serving this in a large bowl and serving family style. Check out this pasta serving bowl!

    Tongs - Transferring pasta to the sauce with tongs is key in this recipe because it will also transfer the perfect amount of pasta water to create a sauce. These tongs are my go-to - I have three pairs in my kitchen!

    margherita pasta in bowls

    Recipe Substitutions/Variations

    Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy Margherita pasta recipe.

    Make it Spicy - Add spicy red pepper flakes in step 3 for a hint of spice.

    Make it Creamy - Add in rich ricotta cheese, cream cheese, or cream to step 3 to make this sauce creamy. 

    Bake it - Add the pasta and tomatoes to a baking dish and top with fresh mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese melts.

    margherita pasta

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is spaghetti margherita?

    Pasta margherita contains spaghetti, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil - all flavors for the Margherita pizza, but in pasta form!

    What does Margherita mean?

    Margherita means flavors of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil, and mozzarella cheese - these were served on the first Margherita pizza.

    summer tomato pasta

    Recipe Storage and Reheating

    Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.

    Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.

    Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.

    Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.

    Other Recipes to Try

    Check out some of our other easy recipes!

    • Spaghetti alla Nerano
    • Roasted Italian Cauliflower
    • Negroni Spritz
    • French Martini

    Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave us a star rating below! Plus, find us on Instagram and Pinterest.

    Margherita Pasta

    Margherita pasta is the easiest fresh pasta dish! With juicy tomatoes, sweet basil, and spaghetti, this 20 minute dinner is ideal for busy nights.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 306 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb spaghetti
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
    • 3 cloves garlic
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon white balsamic
    • 2 cups basil
    • Parmesan cheese for serving

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a large pot over salted boiling water. Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 7 minutes.
    • While pasta is cooking, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and cherry tomatoes. Cook tomatoes for 3 minutes
    • Add garlic, salt, black pepper, and balsamic to the tomatoes. Simmer until pasta is done cooking.
    • Add cooked pasta to pan with tongs and toss. If sauce is dry, add some pasta water to loosen it and create a saucier consistency.
    • Top with basil and cheese and serve.
    Keyword Margherita Pasta
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle says

      May 21, 2022 at 3:07 pm

      5 stars
      Saw this on Instagram and knew I had to make it. SO delish!

      Reply
      • Christina Musgrave says

        May 21, 2022 at 4:50 pm

        So glad you enjoyed!

        Reply

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