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Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

Easy Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe (Quick!)- a bright-tasting meal that comes together in 20 minutes! This burst cherry tomato pasta sauce recipe is a winner for its simplicity, freshness, and deliciousness. It's a dish that you'll want to make again and again! Mangia!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Calories: 729 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta of your choice
  • kosher salt
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 large large garlic cloves or 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 3 pints cherry tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch sugar if needed
  • 1 cup fresh basil coarsely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano cheese or Pecorino cheese for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Use a fork or the back of a wooden spoon to press down on the tomatoes to burst them gently. Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if the sauce is a bit acidic). Stir well to combine.
  3. Cook the tomatoes until they soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the crushed red pepper for some heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  5. Combine the Sauce and Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the coarsely chopped fresh basil.
  7. Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmigiano cheese or Pecorino cheese. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
  8. Enjoy your burst cherry tomato pasta!

Notes

  • Use Ripe Tomatoes: Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Look for tomatoes that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure. Ripe tomatoes will be sweeter and juicier, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Remember, adding more seasoning than fixing an overly seasoned dish is easier.
  • Control Texture: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use a potato masher or immersion blender to blend the cherry tomatoes after they’ve burst partially. This will create a thicker, more uniform sauce. Alternatively, leave the tomatoes whole for a chunkier texture.
  • Save Pasta Water: Reserve some of the pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water is used to thin out the sauce and help it cling better to the pasta. Add a splash at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
  • Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil at the end of cooking brightens the dish’s aromatic flavor. Tear the basil leaves instead of chopping them to release more of their natural oils. You can also garnish with additional fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Finish with Cheese: Top your pasta with freshly grated Parmigiano or Pecorino cheese before serving. The cheese adds a savory richness that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. Use a microplane grater for a fine, fluffy texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories 729kcal (36%) Carbohydrates 100g (33%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 29g (45%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Monounsaturated Fat 20g Sodium 51mg (2%) Potassium 1059mg (30%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 2128IU (43%) Vitamin C 82mg (91%) Calcium 78mg (8%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4-6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 729

% Daily Value*

Calories 729kcal 36%
Carbohydrates 100g 33%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 29g 45%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 20g 100%
Sodium 51mg 2%
Potassium 1059mg 23%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 2128IU 43%
Vitamin C 82mg 91%
Calcium 78mg 8%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.