Classic Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe: Simple, Fresh, and Irresistibly Delicious

Classic Cherry Tomato Pasta: A quick 20-minute Italian classic, perfect for weeknights or special dinners.

Cooking time: 20 mins Serving: 2

If you love pasta that is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this classic cherry tomato pasta will win your heart. It is incredibly easy to make, requires only a handful of ingredients, and delivers that perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and richness in every bite. Using cherry tomatoes, quality olive oil, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil, this dish transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home.

I will guide you step-by-step through the process of making this delicious pasta, share tips on ingredient selection, provide variations for different tastes, and offer ideas for serving and storing leftovers. Whether you are cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting friends, this pasta recipe is a timeless classic that never disappoints.

Why You Will Love This Cherry Tomato Pasta

Before diving into the recipe, here are some reasons this dish is loved by pasta enthusiasts around the world:

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor - You only need fresh cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, and pasta, yet the taste is unforgettable.
• Quick to Make - From start to finish, this pasta can be on your table in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion - It works equally well for casual dinners, romantic meals, or family gatherings.
• Naturally Vegetarian - A plant-based recipe that still feels indulgent and satisfying.
• Easily Customizable - You can add cheese, protein, or vegetables to suit your taste.

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Ingredients for Classic Cherry Tomato Pasta

For this recipe, I am keeping the ingredients simple and fresh, but the quality of each component matters. Here is what you will need:

• Cherry Tomatoes - 15 to 20 ripe cherry tomatoes, halved. These provide natural sweetness and a beautiful color.
• Olive Oil - A generous amount (about 3 to 4 tablespoons) to help cook the tomatoes and create a silky sauce.
• Garlic - 2 to 3 cloves, minced, for aromatic depth.
• Fresh Basil - A handful of leaves, torn or chopped, to bring freshness.
• Salt and Pepper - To season and enhance the flavors.
• Pasta - Spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite pasta shape.
• Pasta Water - About 100 to 150 ml, reserved from boiling pasta, to help emulsify the sauce.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for perfect vegan tomato pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes

1. Wash your cherry tomatoes thoroughly.
2. Slice them in half for even cooking and easier mashing later.
3. If your tomatoes are extra juicy, you may want to remove some seeds to prevent excess liquid in the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Tomatoes in Olive Oil

1. In a large pan, heat plenty of olive oil over low to medium heat.
2. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan.
3. Allow them to cook gently until they soften, release their juices, and start to collapse. This should take about 7 to 10 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Tip: Avoid high heat at this stage, as it can burn the olive oil and make the tomatoes bitter.

Step 3: Mash and Season

1. Once the tomatoes are soft, use the back of a wooden spoon to gently mash them.
2. This will release even more flavor and help create a thick, rustic sauce.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Basil

1. Stir in the minced garlic and basil leaves.
2. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the basil is wilted.
3. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Optional: You can add pepper flakes for little bit of spices.

Step 5: Cook and Combine the Pasta

1. While the sauce is simmering, boil your pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
2. Before draining, reserve about 100 to 150 ml of the pasta cooking water.
3. Add the cooked pasta directly into the tomato sauce.
4. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the silky tomato sauce.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves or freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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Tips for the Best Cherry Tomato Pasta

1. Use Ripe Tomatoes - The sweetness of ripe cherry tomatoes is essential for a balanced flavor.
2. Do Not Rush the Cooking Process - Slow cooking allows the tomatoes to release their natural sugars.
3. Reserve Pasta Water - This starchy water binds the sauce to the pasta and adds a luxurious texture.
4. Quality Olive Oil Matters - Since olive oil is a key flavor, use extra virgin olive oil for best results.
5. Fresh Basil is Key - Dried basil will not give the same vibrant taste and aroma.

Variations You Can Try make your own tomato pasta

While the classic version is perfect as it is, here are some ideas to customize it:

• Add Protein - Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra heartiness.
• Make it Spicy - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle heat.
• Cheesy Twist - Mix in mozzarella cubes or top with ricotta for creaminess.
• Extra Veggies - Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for more nutrition.
• Vegan Option - Skip the cheese and protein, enjoy it as a fully plant-based dish.

Serving Suggestions for cherry tomato pasta

This pasta pairs beautifully with:

• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread
• A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon

How to Store and Reheat the tomato pasta

If you have leftovers:

• Refrigerate - Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat - Warm gently in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent dryness.
• Freezing is Not Recommended - Fresh tomatoes lose their texture when frozen.

Why This Simple Tomato Pasta Recipe Works

The secret lies in the simplicity. Cooking cherry tomatoes slowly in olive oil unlocks their natural sweetness while keeping their fresh, tangy edge. The addition of garlic and basil adds depth and fragrance without overpowering the dish. By tossing the pasta directly in the sauce with a little pasta water, you ensure every strand is coated in a luscious, flavorful glaze.

This recipe captures the essence of Italian home cooking, letting the quality of the ingredients shine.

Enjoy your homemade cherry tomato pasta - fresh, simple, and absolutely delicious!