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Fresh Cherry Tomatoes Pasta

Featured in: Comforting Pasta Recipes for All Tastes

Need a fast dinner fix? This Fresh Cherry Tomatoes Pasta is the answer! Tomatoes cook down into a sauce right in the pan, mixing perfectly with garlic, olive oil, and a splash of pasta water. Tossed with fresh basil and Parmesan, it’s an effortless 15-minute meal. What makes it stand out is how the tomatoes burst into a sauce on their own, giving you a rich, flavorful coating for your pasta. It’s simple, fresh, and feels like a dish from a cozy Italian café.
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Updated on Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:04:55 GMT
Fresh Cherry Tomatoes Pasta Pin it
Fresh Cherry Tomatoes Pasta | tastefullyrecipe.com

Juicy cherry tomatoes melt into a velvety sauce in this colorful pasta creation that brings summer straight to your table. The mix of fresh garlic and aromatic basil highlights the tomatoes' natural sweetness, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives a little kick to this quick 15-minute meal that tastes like you're dining in a small Italian village.

In my Italian-American family, we always turned to this dish when cherry tomatoes took over our garden. I love how just a few great ingredients make something amazing - it takes me back to my grandma's kitchen where she always said the tastiest food needs the least fuss.

Picking Your Components

  • Cherry tomatoes: Look for ones that feel firm but ripe, showing bright colors without mushy spots for the tastiest sauce
  • Fresh basil leaves: Pick bunches with bright green color and no brown spots or drooping
  • Top-notch extra virgin olive oil: Will totally change how this simple dish turns out
  • Fresh garlic cloves: Don't swap these out—the bottled stuff just won't give you that amazing smell
  • Real parmesan cheese: Get one aged for at least 24 months to add that perfect salty finish

Making Your Masterpiece

Starting Off:
Heat your biggest skillet over medium flame. Add enough olive oil to cover the bottom well. When it starts to shimmer, drop in your whole cherry tomatoes and watch them start to soften as they release their juice.
Adding More Taste:
Toss in your freshly chopped garlic and a bit of red pepper flakes. Stir gently as the garlic turns golden and smells amazing, letting its flavor mix into the sauce.
Making It Saucy:
Lightly push each tomato using the back of your wooden spoon. Let them pop on their own, sending out sweet juices that form a light but creamy sauce.
Getting The Pasta Right:
While that's happening, boil your pasta in super salty water until it's just firm to the bite. Save a cup of that starchy water before you drain it.
Putting It All Together:
Throw your hot pasta right into the bubbling sauce. Splash in bits of that pasta water as you stir to get a smooth, silky coating on all the pasta.
Last Few Touches:
Rip up some fresh basil and sprinkle it over top. Finish with freshly grated parmesan and a good drizzle of your nicest olive oil.
Delicious Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Pin it
Delicious Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes | tastefullyrecipe.com

My kids really go crazy for the sweet pop of cherry tomatoes in this pasta. Even my little one, who normally pushes tomatoes aside, always wants more when I make this - the sweetness that comes out during cooking won her over just like it did for me.

Perfect Partners

Serve this bright pasta with a simple arugula salad with just lemon and olive oil on top. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio goes wonderfully with all these fresh flavors.

Make It Your Own

Switch things up by throwing in some grilled shrimp for protein, or mix in tiny mozzarella balls for extra creaminess. Want it hotter? Just double up on red pepper flakes and toss in some fresh chopped chili peppers.

Saving For Later

Any extras will keep in a sealed container for up to three days. When you warm it up, add a little splash of water and heat it slowly on the stove, stirring often to bring back that silky sauce.

Tasty Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Close-up Pin it
Tasty Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Close-up | tastefullyrecipe.com

This dish always reminds me that the easiest meals are often the most unforgettable. It's all about grabbing the best ingredients and handling them with care - exactly what my grandma showed me years back in her bright, sunny kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can the tomato sauce be prepped earlier?
Totally, you can make it a couple of days ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just warm it up when cooking the pasta.
→ What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
Grape tomatoes or quartered regular tomatoes work fine. Just make sure they’re fresh and ripe!
→ How long does leftover pasta last?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays good for 4-5 days in the fridge.
→ Is freezing the sauce an option?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
→ Which pasta pairs best with this sauce?
Spaghetti works great, but so do linguine, fettuccine, or any other shape you like.

Cherry Tomatoes Pasta

Enjoy a quick, no-fuss meal with this Fresh Cherry Tomatoes Pasta. Sweet tomatoes blend naturally with garlic and basil to make a 15-minute dinner.

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


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 3 fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped
02 ¼ cup of high-quality olive oil
03 2 pints of fresh cherry tomatoes
04 8 ounces of spaghetti, pick your favorite kind

→ Flavors & Toppings

05 ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a kick
06 ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan, plus a little extra for serving
07 ½ teaspoon of sea salt
08 ½ cup of roughly cut fresh basil, save a handful for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Fill up a big pot with heavily salted water and set it on high to boil. Toss in the spaghetti and let it cook until it's just the right amount of firm, according to the box directions. Don't forget to scoop out half a cup of the pasta water before you strain it — you'll need this for the sauce magic!

Step 02

As the pasta cooks, grab a large pan and warm up your olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes, letting them soften and burst open after about five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, a sprinkle of salt, and the red pepper flakes. Let this all mingle for another minute or so, creating a mouthwatering aroma. Grab a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently crush the tomatoes, loosening the juices. Let it all simmer happily for around five more minutes to craft a perfect sauce.

Step 03

Take the perfectly al dente spaghetti and toss it straight into the pan of tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the chopped basil and Parmesan cheese, then mix it all together like you're wrapping up a perfect present. Slowly add in small amounts of the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce gets that dreamy, silky texture you want.

Step 04

Dish the pasta up nice and hot. Finish each plate with a little basil on top and a generous dash of Parmesan cheese for that savory finish.

Notes

  1. Keep this in a sealed container in the fridge for 4-5 days. The tomato sauce freezes great, lasting up to 3 months.
  2. You can prep the sauce a few days in advance — it only gets better as it sits!
  3. Not finding cherry tomatoes? Grape tomatoes or sliced regular ones will totally work here.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pot or similar cookware
  • A strainer for your noodles
  • A knife or garlic press for prepping garlic
  • Potato masher for smashing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (thanks to Parmesan)
  • Gluten present (pasta included)

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