Cherry Tomato Pasta – Easy & Delicious in 15 Minutes! Recipe
Introduction
This Cherry Tomato Pasta is a simple, fresh, and flavorful dish you can prepare in just 15 minutes. Bursting with sweet tomatoes and aromatic basil, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ingredients
- 5.5 oz (160 g) pasta (spaghetti recommended)
- 14 oz (400 g) cherry tomatoes or baby grape tomatoes (mixed colors if available)
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- Salt to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes
- Optional: freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice the garlic cloves and add them to a large skillet or saucepan with the extra virgin olive oil. Sauté over low heat, making sure not to burn the garlic. If using red pepper flakes, add them now.
- Step 2: Slice the tomatoes in half or quarters depending on their size, then add them to the pan. Season well with salt and cook over medium heat. Meanwhile, boil the pasta in a large pot of heavily salted water.
- Step 3: When the tomatoes begin to blister, gently press some with the back of a wooden spoon to release their juices. Add a ladle of the hot pasta water to the pan and continue cooking to create a light sauce.
- Step 4: Drain the pasta when it is just under al dente (follow package instructions minus 2 minutes). Add the pasta straight to the pan along with a splash of pasta water. Tear the basil leaves and add them in. Toss and stir to finish cooking the pasta, adding more pasta water as needed. If desired, stir in some parmesan cheese here.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately, garnished with basil leaves and extra parmesan if you like.
Tips & Variations
- Use mixed colored cherry tomatoes for a visually appealing dish and varied flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes early on for a gentle spicy kick.
- Freshly grated parmesan adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter vegan version.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- For added protein, toss in cooked shrimp or grilled chicken.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, any pasta shape works well. Spaghetti, linguine, or even penne are great options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over low heat and stir frequently. Adding it to cold oil and heating slowly also helps it cook gently without burning.
Print
Cherry Tomato Pasta – Easy & Delicious in 15 Minutes! Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and vibrant Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe ready in just 15 minutes. This easy-to-make dish features blistered cherry tomatoes sautéed with garlic and olive oil, tossed with al dente spaghetti and fresh basil. Perfect for a light, flavorful meal with optional red pepper flakes for heat and parmesan cheese for richness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 5.5 oz (160 g) spaghetti pasta
Tomato Sauce
- 14 oz (400 g) cherry tomatoes or baby grape tomatoes (mixed colors preferred)
- 2 large garlic cloves, diced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Finishing
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
- Optional: freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Dice the garlic cloves and add them to a large skillet or saucepan with the extra virgin olive oil. Sauté over low heat, ensuring the garlic does not burn. If using, add red pepper flakes at this stage to infuse the oil with subtle spice.
- Cook Tomatoes & Boil Pasta: Slice the cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters depending on their size and add them to the pan. Season generously with salt and cook over medium heat until the tomatoes begin to blister. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to boil and cook the spaghetti pasta according to package instructions minus 2 minutes to keep it slightly undercooked.
- Create Tomato Sauce: Once the tomatoes blister, gently press some down with the back of a wooden spoon to release their juices. Add a ladleful of pasta cooking water to the pan to help form a saucy base. Continue cooking to make a flavorful pasta sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta when it is just under al dente and transfer it directly to the pan with the tomato sauce. Add a good splash of pasta water and the torn basil leaves. Toss and stir continuously to finish cooking the pasta in the sauce. Add additional pasta water if needed to achieve the desired consistency. If desired, stir in some freshly grated parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. When the pasta is cooked perfectly to your liking, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with additional basil leaves and parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and vibrant Cherry Tomato Pasta!
Notes
- Use mixed colored cherry tomatoes for a more visually appealing dish.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing.
- Reserve pasta water as it helps create a silky sauce and helps the sauce adhere to the pasta.
- The recipe is flexible to include red pepper flakes for heat or parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Cooking pasta slightly under al dente before adding to sauce helps finish cooking in the pan and improves texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Cherry Tomato Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner, Italian Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta, Garlic Tomato Pasta
