Description
Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a homemade sauce made from bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. This easy 30-minute recipe offers a perfect balance of acidity, spice, and herbaceous freshness, ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 oz. uncooked pasta
For the Sauce
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (smashed)
- 1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes
- ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1½ tsp. kosher salt
For Garnishing
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 1 oz. fresh grated Parmesan (about ⅓ cup, plus more for serving)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat a medium saucepan over low heat and add the olive oil along with the smashed garlic cloves. Cook gently until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Once the garlic is softened, add the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Increase the heat to medium and stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer and Burst Tomatoes: Continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently. As the tomatoes heat up, they will begin to burst. Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush some of the tomatoes, releasing their juices. After about 10 minutes, the sauce should start to thicken. For a thicker texture, continue to crush the tomatoes using the spoon or a potato masher.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Pour the finished tomato sauce over the cooked pasta. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir well to coat the pasta thoroughly. The cheese will melt into the warm sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Stir in the fresh basil leaves for a burst of herb flavor. Divide the pasta among bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use a wooden spoon to gently crush the tomatoes to avoid breaking them down too much and keep some texture in the sauce.
- Do not brown the garlic, as it can impart a bitter taste to the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Fresh basil should be added at the end to preserve its flavor and vibrant color.
- This pasta is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
