If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly blends simplicity with vibrant, fresh flavors, you absolutely need to try this Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe. It’s a celebration of juicy cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, mingling with fragrant garlic, spicy red pepper flakes, and fresh basil, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl, delivering both comforting textures and bright, bold taste that will quickly become a staple in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe plays a key role, whether adding flavor, texture, or color, and you’ll love how straightforward and accessible they all are. Getting these essentials ready ensures your final dish bursts with freshness and that irresistible homemade charm.
- 12 oz. uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite type – spaghetti, linguine, or even penne all work beautifully to soak up the sauce.
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil: This adds a rich, fruity base that carries the garlic and tomato flavors.
- 4 garlic cloves (smashed): Smashed garlic releases a deep, nutty aroma without overpowering the dish.
- 1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes: The stars of the show, these juicy gems burst open and create a naturally sweet, fresh sauce.
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to make your taste buds dance without overwhelming the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 1 cup basil leaves: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, slightly sweet herbal note that brightens every bite.
- 1½ tsp kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all those fresh flavors and balancing the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 oz. fresh grated Parmesan (about â…“ cup, plus more for serving): Parmesan adds a salty, umami richness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste): Adds that final layer of warming spice, making each forkful even more inviting.
How to Make Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Once drained, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and set it aside. This simple step ensures your pasta stays tender and ready to embrace the luscious tomato sauce.
Step 2: Infuse Olive Oil with Garlic
Warm extra-virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and gently cook until the kitchen fills with that gorgeous garlicky aroma. Keep an eye here as you want the garlic soft and fragrant without letting it brown, which could make it taste bitter.
Step 3: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Spices
Once your garlic is just right, it’s time to invite the star ingredient to the party. Toss in the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Increase the heat to medium and stir everything so the flavors start to mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Cook and Burst the Tomatoes
Now the magic happens. As the tomatoes warm, they’ll begin to burst naturally. Stir frequently and use the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush them, releasing their sweet juices. After about 10 minutes, the sauce should thicken and develop a vibrant, fresh texture. Keep crushing the tomatoes to your liking to create a perfect, rustic sauce that clings to each strand of pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour your irresistible tomato sauce over the drained pasta, then stir in the Parmesan cheese while the sauce is still warm, letting it melt into a creamy coating. Finally, fold in the fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish. Divide into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper if you like, and get ready to dig into this soul-satisfying meal.
How to Serve Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper elevate this pasta’s flavor to new heights. For a touch of elegance, you can also add a few whole basil leaves or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving. These little touches add aroma and color, making your dish not only taste amazing but look inviting too.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its fresh flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, garlic bread toasted until golden, or steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon all add balance and textural contrast to your meal. You want your sides to highlight, not compete with, the star of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, try plating your Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce beautifully. Garnish with edible flowers or finely chopped herbs for a pop of color. Serving it family-style in a large rustic bowl also invites everyone to dig in and enjoy the communal, cozy feeling this dish inspires.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though this pasta rarely sticks around long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, making the dish even tastier the next day. Just give it a quick stir before reheating.
Freezing
Because of the fresh basil and delicate tomato sauce, freezing this pasta isn’t ideal as it can alter the texture and flavor. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Reheating
Reheat your Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals. Add a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce’s silky texture and prevent it from drying out. This careful reheating keeps the flavors vibrant and the textures just right.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are perfect because they burst beautifully and add sweetness, you can use grape tomatoes or even chopped Roma tomatoes. Just expect a slightly different texture and cook times might vary a bit.
Is this recipe spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but nothing too fiery. You can adjust the amount or skip it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. The key is balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes with a hint of spice.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy umami kick without any dairy.
What type of pasta works best?
This recipe is versatile. Long noodles like spaghetti or linguine are traditional, but penne, fusilli, or even orecchiette hold the sauce beautifully and make every bite delightful.
How can I make this recipe more filling?
To bulk it up, add some cooked protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or steamed beans. A side of hearty garlic bread also rounds out the meal nicely, making it perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend the Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe enough— it’s a perfect way to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this dish has all the warmth and brightness to make everyone smile. Give it a go, and I promise it will become one of your favorite pasta classics in no time!
Print
Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the pungency of garlic and red pepper flakes, and the fresh aroma of basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, the tomatoes are gently cooked until they burst, creating a rustic, lightly thickened sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this recipe serves six and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz. uncooked pasta
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
Finishing
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz. fresh grated Parmesan (about â…“ cup, plus more for serving)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Infuse Olive Oil with Garlic: Heat a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the olive oil and smashed garlic cloves. Cook gently until the garlic is fragrant and soft, taking care not to brown or burn it to avoid bitterness.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Increase heat to medium and stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Cook and Burst Tomatoes: Continue cooking the tomatoes, stirring frequently. As they soften, use the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush some of the tomatoes to release their juices and start forming a rustic sauce. After about 10 minutes, the sauce will begin to thicken. You can continue to crush the tomatoes gently or use a potato masher to achieve your preferred texture.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Pour the tomato sauce over the cooked pasta. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir to coat the pasta thoroughly, allowing the cheese to melt into the warm sauce, enriching its flavor and texture.
- Add Basil and Serve: Stir fresh basil leaves into the pasta just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavor. Divide the pasta into individual bowls and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Do not let the garlic brown in the oil, as it can impart a bitter flavor to the sauce.
- Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently crush the tomatoes and release their juices for a better sauce consistency.
- Fresh grated Parmesan melts better and has a superior flavor compared to pre-grated Parmesan.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For gluten-free option, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
