There is something utterly irresistible about the Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe that makes it a perfect quick meal to whip up any day of the week. This dish bursts with the fresh, vibrant flavors of juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil, all tied together with a silky olive oil and garlic sauce. It’s a beautiful celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a comforting, colorful pasta that feels like sunshine on a plate. Whether you need a last-minute dinner or a dish to impress friends without breaking a sweat, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients. Each component is essential to achieving that signature balance of freshness, flavor, and texture that makes this pasta so memorable.
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne): Choose your favorite shape to hold the luscious sauce perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness and helps carry the flavors of garlic and tomatoes beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with an earthy, aromatic depth you’ll love.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Their natural sweetness and juiciness are the star of the show here.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle hint of heat, balancing the sweetness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a savory, nutty finish that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn: Brings freshness and a light peppery note you won’t want to skip.
- Optional: Extra olive oil for drizzling: Adds a luxurious touch and extra flavor finishing.
How to Make Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures a tender bite that still holds up perfectly when tossed with the sauce. Don’t forget to save a cup of the pasta water before draining — this will be your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce consistency.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can add bitterness. Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the tomatoes soften and begin to release their natural juices, creating a luscious, slightly chunky sauce that’s packed with flavor.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Stir everything together and let the vibrant flavors mingle for another minute, allowing the subtle heat and seasoning to harmonize with the sweet tomatoes.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato-garlic mixture. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles in the sauce. If it feels too dry, slowly add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you achieve that silky, sauce-coated perfection that clings to every strand of pasta.
Step 5: Finish with Basil and Cheese
Take the pasta off the heat and immediately sprinkle the chopped or torn basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Give everything one last toss so the basil wilts just slightly, releasing its fragrance into the dish, and the cheese melts into the warm pasta, adding that irresistible umami touch.
Step 6: Serve
Dish out your Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe onto warm plates, and if you like, drizzle some extra olive oil over the top for a glossy, flavorful finish. Don’t be shy with additional Parmesan and basil garnishes — they elevate the dish beautifully!
How to Serve Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil and grated Parmesan are classic garnishes that bring both aroma and taste to this dish. For an extra pop, add a few toasted pine nuts or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten everything up. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. Crusty garlic bread is another fantastic side that invites you to soak up every last bit of the sauce. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or shrimp complement the freshness of the pasta beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pasta in rustic bowls topped with whole basil leaves for a charming, farmhouse-style presentation. You could also twirl the pasta into neat nests using a fork and a spoon for a refined plate. For summer gatherings, serve it slightly warm or at room temperature as a pasta salad with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cherry tomatoes on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but fresh basil is best added just before serving again to keep its vibrant taste.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh due to its delicate tomato and basil flavors, which can become muted when frozen. However, if you must freeze, store the pasta and sauce separately for up to one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent the basil from wilting too much and the cheese from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use cherry tomatoes that aren’t fresh?
Fresh cherry tomatoes are ideal for this recipe because they provide natural sweetness and juiciness, but you can use canned cherry tomatoes in a pinch. Just drain them before cooking to avoid excess liquid.
Is it okay to skip the red pepper flakes?
Absolutely! The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but the pasta is delicious without them too. Feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti, linguine, and penne all work beautifully. The key is to choose pasta that can hold the sauce well so every bite is flavorful.
Can I add protein to this Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta are great additions to make this meal more substantial while complementing the fresh flavors.
How do I keep the basil fresh and vibrant when cooking?
Add the basil at the very end of cooking, off the heat, so it wilts gently without losing its bright flavor and beautiful green color.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe is one of those incredible dishes that effortlessly impresses with its simplicity and flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with friends on a casual weekend. I promise once you try it, the vibrant burst of tomatoes paired with fresh basil and garlic will have you coming back for seconds every time. So grab those fresh ingredients and enjoy a little bowl of sunshine tonight!
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Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta recipe perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. This dish features al dente pasta tossed with sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
- Optional: Extra olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook the Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the flavors combine by cooking for another minute.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture. If the sauce seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until reaching the desired consistency. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Finish with Basil and Cheese: Remove from heat, stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired and garnish with additional Parmesan and basil leaves for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Use fresh and ripe cherry tomatoes for best flavor.
- Red pepper flakes add a mild heat; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Fresh basil can be torn instead of chopped to preserve its texture.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
