There’s something magical about the simplicity of a cherry tomato pasta. When those tiny jewels of sweetness burst in a hot pan, they create a sauce that’s both rustic and elegant. This Cherry Tomato Pasta transforms humble ingredients into a dish that tastes like it came straight from an Italian trattoria.
Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for weekend entertaining, this pasta celebrates the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes as they collapse into a silky, flavorful sauce. The best part? It comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it a reliable go-to when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple ingredients that let the natural flavors shine
- Quick preparation perfect for weeknight dinners
- Creates its own sauce as the tomatoes cook down
- Versatile base recipe that welcomes variations and add-ins
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld
Ingredients
- 5.5 oz (160g) pasta (spaghetti recommended)
- 14 oz (400g) cherry tomatoes or baby grape tomatoes (mixed colors optional)
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Finely dice the garlic cloves and add to a large skillet or saucepan with the extra virgin olive oil. Sauté over low heat, being careful not to burn the garlic. If using red pepper flakes, add them at this stage.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size. Add them to the pan with the garlic and oil. Season well with salt and cook over medium heat.
- At the same time, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, but plan to remove it 2 minutes before reaching al dente.
- As the tomatoes begin to blister, gently press some of them with the back of a wooden spoon to release their juices. Add a ladle of the pasta cooking water to the pan and continue cooking to create a sauce.
- When the pasta is just under al dente, drain it and add it directly to the pan with the tomato sauce. Add a good splash of the pasta cooking water. Tear up the basil leaves and add them to the pan.
- Toss everything together and continue stirring to finish cooking the pasta in the sauce. Add more pasta water as needed to maintain a silky consistency. If using parmesan cheese, add some to the pan and stir to incorporate.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Once the pasta is cooked to your preference, finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, add a pat of butter when tossing the pasta with the sauce
- Try multicolored cherry tomatoes for a beautiful presentation
- Add a splash of white wine before the tomatoes start cooking for depth of flavor
- For protein, toss in some cooked shrimp or torn pieces of prosciutto at the end
- Substitute fresh mozzarella pearls for a creamier dish
- Make it vegan by omitting the cheese or using a plant-based alternative
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Tomato Pasta pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. The peppery greens complement the sweet tomatoes perfectly. For a complete meal, serve with garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
A chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chianti makes this humble pasta dish feel like a special occasion.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce
- The pasta is done when the tomatoes have collapsed and created a sauce that clings to the pasta
FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Cherry or grape tomatoes work best as they have a higher sugar content and create a sweeter sauce. If using larger tomatoes, dice them and expect a different flavor profile.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes! The flavors actually improve overnight. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
My sauce seems too watery. What should I do?
Continue cooking the sauce for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. Adding a bit more grated cheese can also help thicken it.
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