There’s nothing quite like the vibrant burst of flavor that comes from a bowl of Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta. The moment those sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes start to release their juices in the pan, mingling with the fragrant garlic and pungent fresh basil, your kitchen transforms into a warm embrace of summer. I found myself making this dish more often as the days grew longer, and all I needed was a handful of simple, fresh ingredients.
Perfect for those busy weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and zest without causing any kitchen chaos. Whether you’re looking to surprise your family with something new or simply can’t resist a quick, satisfying meal, this pasta has got you covered. And for anyone following a vegan diet, it’s effortlessly adaptable! Grab your apron, and let’s create a dish that will have you savoring every playful bite.
Why is Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta special?
Bursting with flavor: The sweetness of blistered cherry tomatoes combined with aromatic garlic creates a taste explosion in every bite.
Quick and effortless: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and just a short cooking time, making it easy for anyone to whip up.
Versatile delight: Customize it! Add protein like shrimp or chicken, or go for a vegan twist by simply omitting cheese.
Bright and fresh: The vibrant colors and ingredients bring the essence of summer to your table, making it visually appealing too.
Crowd-pleaser: This dish appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts, guaranteeing happy faces around the dinner table.
Healthy choice: Packed with wholesome ingredients, it offers a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and fulfilling. Try it tonight and bring a little summer into your kitchen!
Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta Ingredients
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For the Sauce
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Olive Oil – Provides richness and depth; opt for high-quality extra virgin for the best flavor.
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Cherry Tomatoes – The star of the dish; ensure they are ripe and juicy for maximum sweetness when blistered.
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Garlic – Essential for aromatic depth; use whole cloves or mash into a paste for a stronger impact.
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Fresh Basil – Adds a fragrant sweetness; finely slice it for even distribution throughout the pasta.
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Salt and Pepper – Crucial seasonings that enhance the overall flavor; adjust according to your taste preference.
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For the Pasta
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Spaghetti (or Pasta of Choice) – Cooked al dente for the best texture; feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
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Chilli Flakes – Optional for those who enjoy a little heat to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
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Pecorino Romano Cheese – Optional for serving; adds a nutty, salty punch that perfectly complements the sauce.
How to Make Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
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Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, but drain 1-2 minutes early, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
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Prepare Sauce: In a large frypan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add whole garlic cloves and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn slightly golden and fragrant.
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Add Tomatoes: Toss in the cherry tomatoes, cooking for 7-10 minutes until they burst and create a jammy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes to taste.
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Garlic Preparation: Remove the garlic cloves, mash them lightly, and stir them back into the sauce for a deeper flavor profile.
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Combine Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti into the sauce. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, stirring until a glossy sauce forms. Mix in two-thirds of the fresh basil.
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Serve: Dish out the pasta, garnishing with the remaining basil and a sprinkle of cheese if desired. Drizzle with more olive oil before enjoying.
Optional: For added richness, serve with a side of crispy garlic bread.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta?
Nothing elevates a delightful pasta dish quite like the perfect accompaniment, creating a wonderfully cohesive dining experience.
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Crispy Garlic Bread: The crunchy exterior and soft, buttery interior are perfect for mopping up the flavorful sauce, making each bite a delight.
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Simple Green Salad: Tossed with light vinaigrette, it adds freshness and a bit of crunch, balancing the richness of the pasta beautifully.
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Grilled Chicken: Infused with lemon and herbs, this addition brings protein and heartiness, perfect for families craving a fuller meal.
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Roasted Asparagus: Tender spears pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the tomatoes, adding a smoky flavor and vibrant color to the plate.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish’s flavors and adds a refreshing finish to your meal.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, this light and zesty treat cleanses the palate after your savory pasta, rounding out the meal on a refreshing note.
Indulge in the dance of flavors, textures, and colors that these pairings will bring to your dinner table.
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta ingredients are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the garlic and tomatoes, along with slicing the fresh basil, preparing these components up to 24 hours in advance. Store the garlic, tomatoes, and basil in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to whip up the dish, simply heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic for 2-3 minutes before adding in the prepped tomatoes. This allows for a quick cooking experience, while still delivering that delightful burst of flavor. Toss in cooked pasta, gradually adding reserved pasta water until glossy, and finish with fresh basil for that just-made quality!
Expert Tips for Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
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Choose Quality Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes yield the sweetest sauce. If unavailable, consider using canned tomatoes and adjusting cooking time to mimic their texture.
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Perfect Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil; it elevates the dish’s flavor significantly and adds a wonderful richness.
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Reserve Pasta Water: Gradually add your reserved pasta water for sauce consistency. Start with less; you can always add more if needed for that glossy finish.
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Vegan Friendly: To make this cherry tomato and basil pasta vegan, simply omit the cheese and finish with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil for a delicious alternative.
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim to drain the spaghetti 1-2 minutes early, as it will continue cooking in the sauce and achieve that perfect al dente texture.
Storage Tips for Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerating for up to 3 days. Allow to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.
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Freezer: Freeze any extra servings in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or olive oil. This restores the sauce’s consistency and flavor.
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Quality Check: Always check for signs of spoilage before eating stored cherry tomato and basil pasta, especially if it has been kept for longer than advised.
Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta Variations
Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and make this dish truly your own!
- Vegan Option: Omit the cheese and enhance with an extra drizzle of olive oil, combining flavors for a fresh finish.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in heavy cream or ricotta at the end for a luxuriously rich sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
For those who savor a creamy texture, this variation adds sumptuous comfort to your meal.
- Grilled Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or scallops for a hearty meal that will keep you satisfied. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the tomato base.
Imagine the indulgence of perfectly grilled seafood or meat mingling with the pasta; it elevates your dish, making it feel gourmet!
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate fresh spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture. This also brings vibrant colors to your plate.
Mixing in seasonal veggies not only enhances the nutritional profile but also creates a delightful medley of flavors.
- Pasta Shape Change: Swap spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta to switch up the texture and make it your own.
- Heat Level: Add a dash of hot sauce, or use jalapeños instead of chili flakes to crank the spice level up a notch that suits your palate.
With these variations, every bowl of Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta can tell a new, delicious story. Enjoy exploring!
Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta Recipe FAQs
Which cherry tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the sweetest sauce, choose ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes with no dark spots or blemishes. Look for tomatoes that feel firm and have a bright, vibrant color. If you can find organic options, even better!
How should I store leftover Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta?
Allow leftovers to cool and then transfer them to an airtight container. You can refrigerate this dish for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil, which helps restore its delightful consistency.
Can I freeze Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta?
Absolutely! If you have extras, store the pasta in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight. When it’s time to reheat, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or olive oil to keep the sauce smooth.
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What if my sauce is too thick or dry?
No worries! If you find the sauce is too thick, simply add a bit of the reserved pasta water gradually while stirring, until you achieve the desired consistency. This water is starchy and helps create a glossy, velvety sauce. If it’s already dry, you can also mix in a little extra olive oil to enhance flavor and moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Very! To make your Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta vegan, simply omit the Pecorino Romano cheese. You can still enjoy wonderful flavors by adding extra basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving for that extra touch of richness.
What if my pasta clumps together after cooking?
I recommend tossing the cooked pasta with a teaspoon of olive oil right after draining it. This step helps prevent clumping while it cools, ensures even coating with the sauce, and adds a delightful richness. If it still clumps, reheat with a splash of pasta water or olive oil to loosen and coat it again.
Easy Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta for Quick Weeknight Dinners
Ingredients Â
Equipment
MethodÂ
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, but drain 1-2 minutes early, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
- In a large frypan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add whole garlic cloves and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn slightly golden and fragrant.
- Toss in the cherry tomatoes, cooking for 7-10 minutes until they burst and create a jammy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes to taste.
- Remove the garlic cloves, mash them lightly, and stir them back into the sauce for a deeper flavor profile.
- Add the drained spaghetti into the sauce. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, stirring until a glossy sauce forms. Mix in two-thirds of the fresh basil.
- Dish out the pasta, garnishing with the remaining basil and a sprinkle of cheese if desired. Drizzle with more olive oil before enjoying.