Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

This pasta with cherry tomatoes recipe is a game-changer when it comes to quick and delicious meals.

Get ready to fall in love with a pasta dish that combines ease, speed, and incredible flavors for a quick weeknight dinner that's ready in less than 20 minutes.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have a vibrant and satisfying dish on the table in no time!

Why will you love this recipe?

The simplicity of this recipe allows the natural flavors of ripe summer tomatoes to shine, while fresh garlic, basil, and extra virgin olive oil add a delightful aromatic touch.

The cherry tomatoes burst with sweet juiciness, creating a vibrant sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully. Every bite is full of fresh summer flavors that will leave you craving more.

So, whether you're pressed for time or simply looking for a fuss-free meal, our quick and easy cherry tomato pasta will become your go-to recipe!

Ingredients needed to make pasta with cherry tomatoes

• pasta: You can use any type of pasta for this recipe. Our favorite is homemade sourdough pasta, which can easily be cut into spaghetti or fettuccini.
• cherry or grape tomatoes: You'll need 1 pint of tomatoes, but feel free to incorporate more if you have extra. In case cherry or grape tomatoes are unavailable, you can choose a low-moisture option like the Roma tomato.
• extra virgin olive oil: In a recipe like this, it's crucial to choose the finest extra virgin olive oil available. Its impact on the overall flavor of the sauce is significant, given the limited ingredients involved. The use of high-quality olive oil allows its exquisite taste to shine through and greatly enhances the final flavor of the dish.
• fresh garlic: We use 6 medium-sized garlic cloves because we love garlic. It's so good for you! Feel free to adjust this ingredient to taste.
• fresh basil leaves: When making a fresh tomato sauce it's always best to use fresh herbs for the best taste. Fresh parsley is also a good herb to use in pasta dishes that have tomatoes.
• parmesan cheese: Grated, shaved, or shredded. Parmesan cheese tastes amazing any way you slice it!
• salt and cracked red pepper flakes: Salt plays a crucial role in enhancing the robust flavor of tomatoes, so it's advisable not to omit this ingredient entirely. However, if necessary, the amount of salt can be reduced. Red pepper flakes provide a pleasant spiciness that complements the dish's freshness. If a milder option is preferred, black pepper can be used as an alternative.
• optional: Adding a small drizzle of balsamic vinegar to the finished dish creates an incredible flavor enhancement!

How to make it

The time-saving aspect of this dinner is that you'll be simultaneously cooking the pasta while preparing the sauce. Follow these steps, and you can have it ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish!

Step 1: Boil the water

Start by bringing a generous amount of salted water to a vigorous boil in a large pot. While you wait for the water to reach boiling point, begin preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the sauce

Take a large skillet and place it over medium heat, then add the olive oil. Once the oil is sufficiently heated and begins to shimmer, incorporate the garlic and cook until it becomes aromatic, which typically takes about 2 minutes. Cut the tomatoes in half while the skillet is heating.

Proceed by adding the tomatoes and salt, and continue cooking until the tomatoes turn soft, typically for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the pasta

While the sauce is cooking add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until "al dente" as per the instructions on the package.

If you are using our sourdough pasta recipe, cook it for approximately 4-5 minutes or until it reaches your preferred level of firmness.

Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to the skillet.

Step 4: Toss the ingredients

Thoroughly coat the pasta with the sauce, ensuring that the parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and cracked red pepper flakes are evenly distributed. Add the pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until your pasta sauce is the desired consistency. Season to taste, and promptly serve while still hot.

What to serve with cherry tomato pasta

While this pasta dish is already delicious on its own, you have the option to incorporate cooked chicken or shrimp for an added protein boost. Pair it with a simple side salad, and you'll have a satisfying meal.

A side of sourdough bread, sourdough focaccia, or soft sourdough dinner rolls would complement this pasta dish very well!

How to store leftovers

For optimal flavor and texture, we recommend enjoying this pasta dish immediately after you make it. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When reheating, add a small amount of water to the pasta and heat it in a saucepan on the stove until thoroughly warmed. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave at 50% powder until heated through.

More easy dinner recipes:

• greek chicken kabobs
• instant pot chicken tacos
• chicken parmesan casserole
• chicken bacon ranch casserole

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