Description
This Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe is a vibrant and simple Italian-inspired dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Juicy cherry tomatoes are gently cooked until they burst, forming a luscious, fresh sauce combined with fragrant garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy and flavorful way to enjoy pasta with a fresh, homemade sauce.
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
- freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For Garnish
- 1 oz. fresh grated Parmesan cheese (about ⅓ cup, plus more for serving)
- 1 cup basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Garlic Infused Oil: Heat a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and the smashed garlic cloves. Cook gently until the garlic is fragrant and softened, taking care not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: When the garlic is soft and aromatic, add the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Increase the heat to medium and stir everything together.
- Cook and Burst Tomatoes: Continue cooking the tomatoes, stirring frequently. The cherry tomatoes will begin to burst, releasing their juices. Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush some of the tomatoes as they cook. After about 10 minutes, the sauce will start to thicken. You can continue crushing the tomatoes to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over the cooked pasta. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir to coat the pasta evenly. The cheese will melt into the warm sauce, enriching it. Finally, stir in the fresh basil leaves.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among individual bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use good quality cherry tomatoes for the freshest and most flavorful sauce.
- The crushed red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your spice preference or omitted for a milder dish.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid a bitter taste.
- Feel free to use other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano as substitutes or additions to basil.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
