1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Quick Cherry Tomato Pasta

Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Featured in Comfort in Every Bowl.

This Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is the perfect weeknight dinner solution when you're short on time but don't want to compromise on flavor. Sweet cherry tomatoes are gently cooked until they burst, creating a natural sauce that's enhanced with fresh garlic and basil. The sauce comes together while the pasta cooks, making this truly a 15-minute meal. What makes this dish special is how the tomatoes break down to create their own sauce, mixing with olive oil and pasta water for the perfect consistency. Topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, it's a simple yet satisfying meal that tastes like it came from an Italian kitchen.
sana kitchen chef
Updated on Fri, 14 Feb 2025 21:11:32 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Pin it
Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes | recipebyme.com

Sweet juicy cherry tomatoes transform into a silky smooth sauce in this vibrant pasta dish that captures the essence of summer dining. Fresh garlic and fragrant basil complement the natural sweetness of tomatoes, while a touch of heat from red pepper flakes adds depth to this 15-minute Italian-inspired meal that tastes like it came straight from a Tuscan kitchen.

Growing up in a Italian-American household, this was our go-to recipe when the garden exploded with cherry tomatoes. The simplicity of letting perfect ingredients shine reminds me of watching my grandmother cook - she always said the best dishes need the fewest ingredients.

Selecting Your Ingredients

  • Cherry tomatoes: Should be ripe but firm, with bright color and no soft spots for the most flavorful sauce
  • Fresh basil leaves: Should be vibrant green without any dark spots or wilting
  • High-quality extra virgin olive oil: Makes a noticeable difference in this simple dish
  • Fresh garlic cloves: Are essential—pre-minced versions won't provide the same aromatic results
  • Premium parmesan cheese: Aged at least 24 months offers the perfect salty finish

Creating The Perfect Dish

Preparing The Base:
Warm your largest skillet over medium heat. Pour in enough olive oil to generously coat the bottom. Once shimmering, add whole cherry tomatoes and watch them begin to soften and release their juices.
Building The Flavors:
Add freshly minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pan. Gently stir as the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, releasing its oils into the sauce.
Creating The Sauce:
Using gentle pressure, carefully press each tomato with the back of a wooden spoon. Let them burst naturally, releasing their sweet juices to create a light yet creamy sauce.
Perfecting The Pasta:
Meanwhile, cook your pasta in well-salted water until just al dente. Reserve a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining.
Bringing It Together:
Toss the hot pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Add splashes of pasta water as needed while stirring to create a silky smooth coating on every strand.
Final Touches:
Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the pasta. Finish with freshly grated parmesan and a drizzle of your best olive oil.
Succulent Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Pin it
Succulent Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes | recipebyme.com

My family particularly loves the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes in this dish. My youngest daughter, who usually avoids tomatoes, asks for seconds every time I make this - the natural sweetness that develops during cooking won me over too.

Pairing Suggestions

Present this vibrant pasta alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. A glass of light Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the fresh flavors perfectly.

Customizing Your Dish

Transform this versatile recipe by adding grilled shrimp for protein, or stir in fresh mozzarella pearls for extra richness. For a spicier version, double the red pepper flakes and add fresh chopped chilies.

Keeping It Fresh

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water and warm gently on the stovetop, tossing frequently to revive the silky sauce.

Close-up Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe Pin it
Close-up Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe | recipebyme.com

This recipe reminds me that simplicity often creates the most memorable meals. The key lies in choosing the finest ingredients and treating them with respect - just as my grandmother taught me years ago in her sun-filled kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the tomato sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce 2-3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat it when you're ready to cook the pasta.
→ What can I substitute for cherry tomatoes?
You can use grape tomatoes or regular tomatoes cut into quarters. Any ripe, fresh tomatoes will work well in this recipe.
→ How long does this pasta dish keep in the fridge?
The pasta will stay fresh for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
→ Can I freeze the tomato sauce?
Yes, the cherry tomato sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
→ What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
While spaghetti is recommended, any pasta shape works well. Long pasta like linguine or fettuccine are great alternatives.

Quick Cherry Tomato Pasta

This Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes combines sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic for a quick dinner that's ready in just 15 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Sana

Category: Pasta Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 8 ounces of your favorite spaghetti
02 2 pints fresh cherry tomatoes
03 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
04 ¼ cup good quality olive oil

→ Seasonings & Garnishes

05 ½ teaspoon sea salt
06 ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
07 ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus extra for serving
08 ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Instructions

Step 01

Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your spaghetti until perfectly al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, remember to save ½ cup of the starchy pasta water - it's like liquid gold for our sauce!

Step 02

While the pasta works its magic, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in those cherry tomatoes and let them dance around until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add your minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes, cooking until the kitchen fills with that incredible aroma, about a minute more. Here comes the fun part - use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently squish the tomatoes, releasing their sweet juices. Let everything simmer and get cozy for another 5 minutes until you've got a gorgeous sauce.

Step 03

Add your perfectly cooked pasta right into the skillet with that beautiful tomato sauce. Throw in the fresh basil and Parmesan, then toss everything together like you're conducting an orchestra. Add splashes of that reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your ideal consistency - silky and luxurious.

Step 04

Plate up your masterpiece while it's still hot, finishing each serving with an extra shower of fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  1. This pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  2. Feel free to make the sauce 2-3 days ahead - it'll only get better!
  3. While this recipe shines with cherry tomatoes, you can swap in grape tomatoes or even quartered regular tomatoes in a pinch.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or 5-piece cookware set
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Garlic press (or sharp knife)
  • Potato masher

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten (pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 403
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 54 g
  • Protein: 12 g