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Quick and Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

BySoha

Quick and Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe focuses on clarity, freshness, and precision. Sweet cherry tomatoes cook down into a light, glossy sauce that feels vibrant rather than heavy. Every step is intentional, keeping flavors clean and timing efficient. Perfect for busy days, yet refined enough to serve with confidence.

Ingredients List

  • 250 g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes
  • Salt, to taste
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1 tbsp pasta water for sauce adjustment

Step-by-Step Instructions

quick and easy cherry tomato pasta recipe
Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain.

Build the tomato base

Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook gently until fragrant, keeping color light.

Cook the cherry tomatoes

Add cherry tomatoes and chili flakes. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Season and balance

Season with salt and black pepper. Lightly press some tomatoes to enhance the sauce texture while keeping others intact.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add drained pasta directly to the pan. Toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.

Finish with herbs and cheese

Remove from heat. Add fresh basil and parmesan, tossing once more before serving.

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

2 servings

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 4 g

Storage Instructions

Allow pasta to cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a small drizzle of olive oil to revive texture and flavor.

Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or lightly grilled vegetables. Burrata or fresh mozzarella adds richness without overpowering the tomatoes. A squeeze of lemon just before serving enhances freshness.

Seasonal Relevance

Cherry tomato pasta shines during spring and summer when tomatoes are naturally sweet and juicy. Off-season preparation still works well with high-quality greenhouse cherry tomatoes.

Conclusion

Quick and Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta delivers freshness through simplicity and technique. Balanced seasoning, careful heat control, and quality ingredients create a dish that feels effortless yet thoughtfully executed. Reliable, elegant, and repeatable, this recipe fits seamlessly into everyday cooking.

Quick and Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
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Quick and Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

760

kcal
Total time

30

minutes

Quick and easy cherry tomato pasta prepared with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. Light, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, this pasta delivers a fresh sauce that coats the pasta without feeling heavy.

Ingredients

  • 250 g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes

  • Salt, to taste

  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

  • Optional: 1 tbsp reserved pasta water

Directions

  • Cook pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Add cherry tomatoes and chili flakes. Cook until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  • Season with salt and black pepper. Lightly press some tomatoes to build sauce texture.
  • Add pasta to the pan and toss to coat evenly, adding pasta water if needed.
  • Remove from heat and finish with basil and parmesan. Serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Fresh cherry tomatoes provide the best flavor.
  • Keep garlic pale to avoid bitterness.
  • A small amount of pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

FAQs

Can whole cherry tomatoes be used instead of halved ones?
Whole tomatoes work, though halving them helps release juices faster and improves sauce consistency.

Which pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Long pasta such as spaghetti or linguine holds the sauce evenly, while short shapes provide more texture and bite.

Can protein be added without overpowering the dish?
Grilled shrimp or lightly sautéed chicken pairs well while keeping the focus on the tomatoes.

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