Delicious Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

Are you looking for a quick and flavorful dinner option that will impress even the toughest food critics? Look no further than this delightful Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe. This dish has been a lifesaver for me on busy evenings, offering a burst of fresh flavors without the need for a lengthy cooking process. With just a handful of ingredients, including plump cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant basil, this pasta dish will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.

I stumbled upon this Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe during a hectic workweek, and it has since become a staple in my kitchen. The simplicity of this dish is truly astonishing – it’s amazing how a few basic ingredients can come together to create a dish that tastes like a culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is virtually foolproof and guarantees a delicious outcome every time.

Impress your guests with this vibrant Cherry Tomato Pasta paired with a zesty arugula salad and a glass of crisp white wine. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – feel free to customize it with additional ingredients like olives, capers, or anchovies to suit your preferences. From quick weeknight dinners to casual gatherings with friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Get ready to experience the magic of simple yet sensational cooking with this Cherry Tomato Pasta!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy meal solution for busy days
• Versatile recipe with options to customize for various tastes and dietary needs
• Simple ingredients that allow the fresh flavors of cherry tomatoes to shine
• Minimal cooking skills required, making it accessible even for self-proclaimed “cooking disasters”

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a simple yet flavorful meal in a pinch.
• Minimal Ingredients: Only a handful of pantry staples needed, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
• Impressive Flavor: Despite its simplicity, the combination of cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil creates a rich and satisfying taste that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
• Foolproof Recipe: Nearly impossible to mess up, making it a great option for beginner cooks or those intimidated by complicated recipes.
• Versatile: Can be customized with additional ingredients like olives, capers, beans, or protein to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Serve with a side salad, crusty bread, and a glass of wine for an easy yet elegant dinner party meal.
• Adaptable: Adjust the spice level, sweetness, or richness to your taste by following the suggested modifications provided.
• Memorable Dish: A recipe that has won over even skeptics and garnered compliments from Italian friends, proving its universal appeal.
• Campfire Friendly: Ideal for outdoor cooking, making it a versatile option for camping trips or picnics.

Ingredients for Delicious Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

For the Pasta

• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 5.5 oz (160g) pasta (spaghetti recommended)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• Salt to taste
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 14 oz (400g) cherry tomatoes or baby grape tomatoes (mixed colors optional)
• Handful of fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish

How to Make Delicious Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Garlic and Oil Base

Dice the garlic cloves finely and combine with extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan. Sauté on low heat, taking care not to burn the garlic. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters based on their size. Combine with garlic and oil in a pan. Season with salt and cook on medium heat.

Step 3: Start Pasta

Simultaneously, boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package instructions, removing 2 minutes before al dente.

Step 4: Create Tomato Sauce

Once the tomatoes start to blister, use the back of a wooden spoon to gently press some of them to release their juices. Add a ladle of pasta cooking water to the pan and simmer to create a sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta just before it reaches al dente and combine it with the tomato sauce in the pan. Stir in a splash of pasta cooking water and torn basil leaves.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Combine all ingredients and stir continuously to cook the pasta in the sauce. Add pasta water as necessary for a smooth consistency. Optionally, mix in parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Adjust seasoning to taste. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and parmesan cheese if desired, then serve promptly.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the cherry tomato pasta, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to let the pasta cool down to room temperature before transferring it to the container to prevent condensation. The pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat the pasta in a pan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra olive oil or a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

If you plan to freeze the cherry tomato pasta, it’s best to do so without the addition of cheese. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. The pasta can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat frozen pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then gently reheat it in a pan on the stovetop, adding a bit of olive oil or water to help revive the sauce. Remember to sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top just before serving for added flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the regular spaghetti pasta with gluten-free spaghetti or any other gluten-free pasta of your choice. This swap allows those with gluten sensitivities to still enjoy this delicious cherry tomato pasta dish.

If you prefer a different type of cheese or want to make this recipe dairy-free, you can opt for a vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast as a substitute for the traditional grated parmesan cheese. This modification caters to individuals following a vegan diet or those looking to reduce their dairy intake while still adding a flavorful cheesy element to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful cherry tomato pasta in individual bowls garnished with a generous handful of torn fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Top each serving with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and freshly grated parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture. Pair this pasta dish with a side of garlic bread or toasted baguette slices for a complete and satisfying meal.

For a more substantial meal, consider adding protein to this cherry tomato pasta. Grilled shrimp or chicken breast slices would complement the flavors beautifully. You can also serve the pasta alongside a green salad with a light lemon and olive oil dressing to balance the richness of the dish. Finish off the meal with a chilled glass of white wine to elevate the dining experience and bring out the flavors of the tomatoes.

FAQs for Delicious Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Spaghetti is recommended, but you can also use other types like penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.

Can I make this cherry tomato pasta ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the cherry tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta and combine with the sauce just before serving.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. You can also enhance the flavor by adding nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan on top before serving.

Can I substitute cherry tomatoes with regular tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute cherry tomatoes with regular tomatoes if needed. Just make sure to dice the larger tomatoes into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly and release their juices to create the sauce.

Conclusion

As you sit down to enjoy your Cherry Tomato Pasta, remember that the simplest dishes can often bring the greatest joy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to elevate humble ingredients into a truly memorable meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this pasta is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

So next time you find yourself with an abundance of cherry tomatoes or simply craving a flavorful and comforting dish, turn to this Cherry Tomato Pasta. Let its ease and deliciousness remind you that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Embrace the magic of this recipe and savor every bite, knowing that sometimes the most straightforward meals can bring the most satisfaction. Cherish the memories made around the table with loved ones over a steaming plate of Cherry Tomato Pasta – simple, yet undeniably special.

Delicious Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

“Effortlessly delicious cherry tomato pasta that tastes like it came from an Italian grandmother’s kitchen – simple, satisfying, and impossible to mess up.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time15 Minutes

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings2 Servings

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 5.5 oz (160g) pasta (spaghetti recommended)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• Salt to taste
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 14 oz (400g) cherry tomatoes or baby grape tomatoes (mixed colors optional)
• Handful of fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Garlic and Oil Base: Dice the garlic cloves finely and combine with extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan. Sauté on low heat, taking care not to burn the garlic. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
2. Prepare Tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters based on their size. Combine with garlic and oil in a pan. Season with salt and cook on medium heat.
3. Start Pasta: Simultaneously, boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package instructions, removing 2 minutes before al dente.
4. Create Tomato Sauce: Once the tomatoes start to blister, use the back of a wooden spoon to gently press some of them to release their juices. Add a ladle of pasta cooking water to the pan and simmer to create a sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta just before it reaches al dente and combine it with the tomato sauce in the pan. Stir in a splash of pasta cooking water and torn basil leaves.
6. Finish Cooking: Combine all ingredients and stir continuously to cook the pasta in the sauce. Add pasta water as necessary for a smooth consistency. Optionally, mix in parmesan cheese.
7. Final Touch and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and parmesan cheese if desired, then serve promptly.