A delightful Mediterranean-inspired spaghetti dish featuring cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to use in the sauce if needed.
Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Use a good-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes.
Press some of the tomatoes gently with the spoon to release their juices.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine with the tomato mixture.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
Stir in the crumbled goat cheese and fresh basil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cheese gradually to ensure even distribution.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.