Quick Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe That Bursts with Fresh Flavor

Summer’s vibrant colors burst through this zesty cherry tomato pasta recipe that promises a delightful culinary journey.

Fresh herbs and ripe cherry tomatoes dance together in a symphony of flavors.

The recipe delivers a simple yet elegant dish that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

Bright red tomatoes burst with sweetness when gently heated, creating a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta.

Garlic and basil add depth and complexity to this Mediterranean-inspired creation.

Each forkful promises a burst of freshness and comfort.

Prepare to savor a meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Cherry Tomato Pasta Bright Taste In Every Forkful

• Craft a Quick Weeknight Meal: Whip up this cherry tomato pasta in mere minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Maximize Flavor with Minimal Ingredients: Transform simple pantry staples like garlic, cherry tomatoes, and basil into a restaurant-quality dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant tastes.
• Customize to Your Taste: Easily adapt the recipe by adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, switching up herbs, or adjusting spice levels to suit your personal preference.
• Impress with Simple Technique: Learn a classic Italian cooking method of creating a silky sauce directly in the pan, elevating your home cooking skills with professional-level results.

Cherry Tomato Pasta Ingredient List Fresh

• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes that provide a sweet and juicy base for the sauce.
• Pasta: The star of the dish that serves as the primary carbohydrate and carrier of the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and flavor to the base of the dish.

• Basil Leaves, Parmesan Cheese: Fresh herbs and cheese that enhance the overall flavor and provide a finishing touch.
• Salt, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that add depth and a subtle kick to the pasta.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pasta Cooking Water: Essential liquids that create a silky sauce and help bind the ingredients together.

How To Make Cherry Tomato Pasta Quick

Step 1: Craft the Aromatic Base

Grab a large skillet and gently dice fresh garlic cloves.

Pour extra virgin olive oil into the pan and warm over low heat.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

The goal is to infuse the oil with garlic’s rich, mellow flavor without burning.

Step 2: Prepare Vibrant Tomatoes

Slice cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size.

Tumble these juicy gems into the pan with the garlic-infused oil.

Generously season with salt to coax out their natural sweetness.

Cook over medium heat, allowing them to soften and develop deep, concentrated flavors.

Step 3: Boil Perfect Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous handful of salt.

Bring to a rolling boil and add pasta.

Cook according to package guidelines, but plan to remove it slightly before reaching al dente – this ensures it’ll finish cooking perfectly in the sauce.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Sauce

Watch the tomatoes begin to blister and burst.

Use a wooden spoon to gently crush some tomatoes, releasing their vibrant juices.

Splash in a ladle of pasta water to create a silky, glossy sauce that will cling beautifully to the pasta.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta when it’s just shy of al dente.

Transfer directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce.

Add a splash of pasta water to help bind everything together.

Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them into the pan, releasing their aromatic oils.

Step 6: Finish with Finesse

Toss and stir the pasta, allowing it to absorb the sauce and finish cooking.

If the mixture seems dry, add more pasta water to maintain a luscious, smooth consistency.

Sprinkle in parmesan cheese, stirring to create a creamy texture.

Step 7: Elevate and Serve

Do a final taste test and adjust seasoning as needed.

Drizzle with a touch of extra virgin olive oil for shine and flavor.

Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and vibrant.

Cherry Tomato Pasta Tips For Bold Flavor

• Cut cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters to ensure even cooking and better sauce absorption.
• Use heavily salted water for pasta to enhance overall flavor and season the dish naturally.
• Sauté garlic on low heat to prevent burning and create a smooth, aromatic base for the sauce.
• Reserve pasta cooking water to create a silky, emulsified sauce that helps ingredients bind together perfectly.
• Add fresh basil leaves at the end to preserve their vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities.

Cherry Tomato Pasta Add-Ons To Try Soon

• Vegan Veggie Blast: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast, swap pasta for zucchini noodles, and add roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Protein Power Plate: Incorporate grilled chicken or tofu cubes during the tomato sauce stage, boosting protein content and creating a heartier meal.
• Gluten-Free Garden Option: Use gluten-free pasta like chickpea or rice pasta, maintaining the same cooking technique and fresh ingredients.
• Mediterranean Herb Mix: Substitute basil with fresh oregano and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version of the classic cherry tomato pasta.

Serving Cherry Tomato Pasta Beautifully

• Rustic Italian Feast: Serve this vibrant pasta with a crisp side salad dressed in light vinaigrette to complement the rich tomato flavors.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Choose a chilled Pinot Grigio or light Sauvignon Blanc that enhances the fresh cherry tomato and basil notes of the dish.
• Mediterranean Platter Perfection: Accompany the pasta with marinated olives, sliced prosciutto, and crusty artisan bread to create a complete Mediterranean-style meal experience.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan just before serving to boost the aromatic and flavor profile of the dish.

Storing Cherry Tomato Pasta For Next Meal

• Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
• Fresh tomato-based pasta doesn't freeze well, as the delicate texture of tomatoes and pasta can become mushy when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh within a few days.
• Store fresh basil leaves in a jar with water at room temperature, or wrap them loosely in slightly damp paper towels in the refrigerator to maintain their vibrant green color and flavor.

FAQs

• Why use pasta water in the recipe?

Pasta water is starchy and helps create a silky, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, enhancing flavor and texture without adding extra ingredients.

• Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil provides the best flavor and aroma. Dried basil lacks the bright, vibrant taste and won’t give the same result, so it’s recommended to use fresh basil leaves.

• How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Saute garlic over low heat and keep a close eye on it. As soon as it turns golden and becomes fragrant, it’s ready. Stir constantly to avoid burning, which can make it taste bitter.

Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent cherry tomato pasta brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate, offering a quick and delightful culinary experience. Fresh herbs and garlic create a light, aromatic sauce that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5.5 oz (160g) spaghetti pasta
• 14 oz (400g) cherry tomatoes or baby grape tomatoes (mixed colors optional)
• 2 large garlic cloves

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• Handful of fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
• Salt to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Red pepper flakes
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a fragrant base by gently sautéing minced garlic in extra virgin olive oil over low heat. Incorporate red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown.
2. Halve or quarter cherry tomatoes depending on their size. Transfer to the pan with the garlic-infused oil and season generously. Cook over medium heat until tomatoes begin to soften and release their natural juices.
3. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta approximately 2 minutes shy of the package’s recommended al dente time.
4. While tomatoes develop, use a wooden spoon to gently crush some, encouraging a rich, rustic sauce. Introduce a ladle of pasta water to create a silky, cohesive texture.
5. Transfer slightly undercooked pasta directly into the tomato mixture. Splash additional pasta water to enhance sauce consistency. Tear fresh basil leaves and fold into the pan.
6. Continuously toss the pasta, allowing it to finish cooking within the sauce. Adjust liquid as needed to maintain a glossy, smooth texture. Sprinkle parmesan cheese, stirring to integrate fully.
7. Perform a final seasoning check. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan. Serve piping hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

• Prevent Garlic Burning Always start with low heat when sautéing garlic to avoid bitter, scorched flavors that can ruin the entire dish.
• Customize Tomato Texture Choose between halving or quartering cherry tomatoes based on their size and your preferred sauce consistency.
• Boost Sauce Richness Reserve pasta water before draining, as its starchy liquid helps create a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
• Enhance Flavor Flexibility For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or crispy pancetta during the final tossing stage without disrupting the recipe’s simplicity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 5mg