As the aroma of cherry tomatoes sizzling in olive oil wafts through your kitchen, you can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of anticipation. The vibrant reds and greens dance in harmony, promising a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds. Cherry tomato pasta is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of simplicity and freshness that can brighten any dinner table. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.
Picture this: it’s a warm summer evening, and you’ve gathered with friends for an impromptu get-together. With laughter filling the air, you whip up this quick cherry tomato pasta to share. It’s easy, delicious, and brings everyone together—because who doesn’t love pasta? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cherry tomato pasta is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The fresh flavors burst with every bite, creating a memorable experience
- It’s visually stunning with its bright colors and elegant presentation on any dinner table
- Perfect for an intimate family meal or casual gatherings with friends
There was that one time my friend Sarah tasted this cherry tomato pasta and declared it “life-changing.” I thought she might need a moment to recover from her culinary epiphany!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes; they are the stars of this dish, bursting with juicy flavor.
Pasta: Choose your favorite type—spaghetti or penne works beautifully here for the best texture.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil; it adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves work wonders; they’ll infuse the dish with aromatic goodness.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves bring vibrancy and a fragrant touch—don’t skimp on this herb!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste based on your preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Pasta
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing your cherry tomatoes thoroughly before slicing them in half. Mince your garlic cloves finely to maximize their flavor release during cooking.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside while reserving some pasta water.
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Then toss in halved cherry tomatoes and stir gently until they soften and begin to break down.
Add Pasta to Sauce: Combine your cooked pasta with the sautéed tomatoes in the skillet. Stir well to coat each strand with the luscious juices from the tomatoes.
Toss in Fresh Basil and Cheese: Gently fold in torn basil leaves along with grated Parmesan cheese until melted into a creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
Season and Serve!: Taste your pasta masterpiece; add salt and pepper as needed before serving hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Now you have all the tools necessary to whip up this cherry tomato pasta! Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself after a long day, remember—it’s all about enjoying the process as much as the final result.
With each twirl of forkfuls filled with sweet bursts of cherry tomatoes mingling with savory garlic notes, you’ll find yourself transported back to that sunny summer evening where everything feels just right. So go ahead—make this dish tonight!
You Must Know
- Fresh cherry tomatoes bring vibrant flavor and sweetness to your pasta
- This dish is quick, simple, and perfect for busy evenings
- The aromas of garlic and basil will make your kitchen feel like a cozy Italian trattoria
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add halved cherry tomatoes. Cook until soft while boiling pasta in salted water, ensuring everything comes together beautifully at the end.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in some spinach or arugula for added greens. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a delightful kick. Try different cheeses for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep the pasta moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor; they make all the difference in this dish
- Always salt your pasta water generously; it’s the key to well-seasoned noodles
- For extra richness, finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving
Cooking this cherry tomato pasta reminds me of summer evenings spent on my grandmother’s porch, soaking up family laughter and delicious aromas wafting through the air.
FAQ
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! Roma or grape tomatoes work well too, just adjust cooking times slightly.
What can I substitute for pasta?
Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash are excellent low-carb alternatives that won’t disappoint.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Simply omit cheese and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Cherry Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cherry Tomato Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates fresh ingredients and simplicity. Bursting with the sweetness of ripe cherry tomatoes and the aromatic goodness of garlic, this pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With each forkful coated in luscious olive oil and sprinkled with fresh basil, this dish promises to delight your taste buds and leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: wash and halve the cherry tomatoes; mince the garlic.
- Cook the pasta: Boil a pot of salted water, add pasta, cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes), drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil; sauté minced garlic until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- Add tomatoes: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet with tomatoes; toss to combine.
- Finish: Fold in torn basil and grated Parmesan; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
