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Summer Cherry Spaghetti shines with fresh and simple ingredients. The star of the dish is, of course, the cherries. You want to use sweet, ripe cherries for the best taste. I prefer Bing or Rainier cherries. They are juicy and not too tart.

Summer Cherry Spaghetti

Enjoy the flavors of summer with this delightful Summer Cherry Spaghetti recipe! This fresh pasta dish combines juicy cherries, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs for a tasty meal that takes just 30 minutes to prepare. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or summer gatherings, it's easy to customize for any dietary needs. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this vibrant, healthy pasta delight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti

1 cup fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.

    Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

      Add cherries and tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherries and cherry tomatoes. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the cherries to start breaking down.

        Season the mixture: Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. If the mixture appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

          Combine with spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the cherry mixture. Toss everything together over low heat to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

            Finish off: Remove the skillet from heat, then fold in the torn basil leaves and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning if needed.

              Serve: Plate the pasta and if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 20 mins | Serves 2-3

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the spaghetti in shallow bowls, garnished with extra basil leaves and a few whole cherries for a beautiful finish. A sprinkle of lemon zest on top adds a refreshing touch.