Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
A vibrant and simple Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a flavorful sauce of sautéed cherry tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil, finished with parmesan cheese and an optional creamy burrata topping. This dish is quick to prepare, ideal for a delicious weeknight meal bursting with fresh, summery flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 3 quarts water (12 cups or 3 liters)
- 1 ½ tablespoons salt (21 grams) for boiling water
Sauce
- 2 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 twists black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 15 fresh basil leaves (plus more for garnish)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (or non-dairy substitute if preferred)
Optional Topping
- 1 to 2 burrata balls
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with 3 quarts of water and bring it to a boil. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of salt to the boiling water, then add 12 ounces of spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes to keep it slightly undercooked (al dente).
- Prepare Tomatoes: While the pasta boils, halve 2 pounds of cherry tomatoes to prepare them for the sauce.
- Make Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, then season with 1 teaspoon salt, 2 twists of black pepper, a pressed or grated clove of garlic, and ⅛ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook the tomato mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Pour in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and add 15 fresh basil leaves. Stir and cook together for a couple of minutes to let the pasta finish cooking and absorb the flavors. Add more pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Add Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese until it melts and combines well with the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For a richer dish, top with one or two burrata balls if desired.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Burrata is optional but adds a creamy, luxurious texture to the dish.
- For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy cheese alternatives.
- Use fresh basil leaves for the most vibrant flavor in the sauce and garnish.
Keywords: Cherry Tomato Pasta, Italian Pasta Recipe, Quick Pasta Sauce, Vegetarian Pasta, Fresh Tomato Sauce, Easy Weeknight Dinner
Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/cherry-tomato-pasta-recipe/
