Pasta with cherry tomatoes is beloved for its simplicity, versatility, and ability to capture the essence of Italian cuisine with just a handful of ingredients. It’s a perfect example of how quality ingredients can result in a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. As the name suggests, the dish requires cooking pasta to al dente perfection and then tossing it with burst cherry tomatoes that are sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. The juices of tomatoes combined with olive and garlic become the delicate sauce for the pasta. Each bite is a celebration of the vibrant flavours of summer.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Recipe
This tomato pasta recipe is quick and easy. You don’t have to do like making an elaborate sauce or baking or too much chopping. Save this pasta recipe for a quick weeknight dinner. The prep time is minimal. The only work on your prep to-do list is to slice the tomatoes and chop the herbs. Pasta recipe with less than 10 ingredients. That’s it. Again, this is the recipe you need for tomato season. A vegetarian dinner for the family. This is a wholesome, fulfilling vegetarian dish that can be vegan too if you skip adding cheese before serving.
Ingredients Required
Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes are best for this pasta recipe. They can be different colours and variety. Pasta: I always prefer spaghetti in this tomato pasta recipe but can substitute it with another long pasta like fettuccine, bucatini or tagliatelle. Garlic is the key flavour and as a family we love it. You can either mince or slice garlic. Fresh Herbs like fresh basil, parsley or chives add so much freshness. Seasoning: Oregano, Chilli Flakes, Salt, Pepper Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for a delicious flavour and taste. Cheese: Sprinkle shaved or grated Parmesan cheese right before serving the pasta. Skip cheese for a vegan pasta with Cherry Tomatoes.
How To Make Tomato Pasta
Cook Pasta
Boil a pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Remember, you want your pasta to have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Reserve ¼ of boiled pasta water to make a silky sauce.
Prepare Cherry Tomato Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Once the garlic is aromatic, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season them with salt.
Let them cook for a few minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices. You want them to be slightly blistered but still retain their shape. Add boiled pasta water, oregano, chilli flakes, pepper, half of fresh basil leaves, and simmer for 2 minutes.
Final Assembly
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked pasta directly from the pot to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes. Or you can drain it and then transfer via colander. Toss the pasta and cherry tomatoes, ensuring that each strand is coated in the luscious sauce. Add torn basil leaves. Give everything a gentle stir, allowing the flavours to meld together. Right before serving, sprinkle grated or shaves Parmesan cheese on each plate of pasta. You can drizzle extra virgin olive oil also.
Serving Suggestion
Pasta with cherry tomatoes is a comforting, fulfilling meal in itself. Enjoy it with slices of artisanal bread wipe off all the delicious garlicky tomato sauce. You can also serve it with an Italian chopped salad or a simple vegetable side dish like air fryer green beans or broccoli stir fry. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over low to medium heat on the stove. The tomato sauce (without the pasta) can be stored in the fridge up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month. Let it cool to room temperature before storing it.
More Pasta Recipes
Pasta Soup Basil Pesto Pasta Fusilli Pasta Caprese Spaghetti with Shrimps Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Classic Tomato Sauce Pasta Stir Fry Pasta with vegetables
follow us on Youtube and Instagram for video recipes.
