This easy pasta dish features sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes cooked down into a tasty sauce. It’s fresh, vibrant, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Honestly, the smell of those tomatoes cooking is enough to get anyone hungry! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top. Quick to make and oh-so-satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using spaghetti or linguine for this dish because they hold the sauce nicely. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using chickpea or rice pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they can vary.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and plump cherry tomatoes are key here. If you can’t find them, you can use grape tomatoes or even regular tomatoes cut into chunks. Just make sure to cook them until they’re soft!
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, canola or avocado oil will work, but they won’t add as much richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really boosts the flavor. If you have garlic powder, you could use about 1 teaspoon as a substitute, but fresh is always best!
Fresh Basil: Basil adds a fresh taste to the dish. If fresh isn’t available, dried basil works in a pinch, but use less—about 1 teaspoon, as dried is stronger.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Blistered Tomatoes?
Blistered tomatoes are a highlight of this recipe! To get them just right, follow these steps:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil. You want that sizzle!
- As the tomatoes cook, don’t rush—let them sit for a minute or two before stirring. This helps them blister.
- Keep the heat up! If they’re too low, they’ll just steam instead of blister.
- Look for them to change color and start bursting, which is when the flavor really deepens. This usually happens in about 5-7 minutes.
These juicy, blistered tomatoes will create a fantastic sauce that clings to your pasta, making each bite delicious and satisfying!
Easy Pasta With Sweet Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional for brightness)
For Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes for this dish. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and cook the pasta, plus another 10 minutes to make the sauce. Simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Remember to save about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to blister and burst, releasing all those sweet juices!
3. Add Garlic and Seasoning:
Once the tomatoes are blistered, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to add your drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss it all together to coat the pasta with that delicious sauce. If it seems too thick, add a little of that reserved pasta water until you get the consistency you like.
5. Finish and Serve:
Take the skillet off the heat and fold in the torn basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with fresh flavors that make for a delightful meal any night of the week.
FAQ for Easy Pasta With Sweet Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce
Can I Use Other Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can use grape tomatoes or regular tomatoes cut into chunks. Just make sure to cook them until they’re soft and starting to burst for the best flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it vegan-friendly. The dish is still bursting with flavor thanks to the tomatoes and garlic!
What Can I Pair This Pasta With?
This pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For added protein, you can serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp, or toss in some sautéed vegetables for a heartier meal.
