Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta
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This burst cherry tomato pasta is bright, fresh, and vibrant. For this easy summery pasta recipe, you only need sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese. This is the perfect 6 ingredient pasta recipe.
For more easy tomato recipes, try my creamy tomato pasta, tomato bruschetta with grilled halloumi, or ricotta gnocchi with roasted cherry tomatoes.
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⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful: Charring the tomatoes enhances their sweetness and gives the dish a robust flavor.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable for vegetarians or those looking for a gluten-free option.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, making it a great family meal.
🧾 Ingredients overview
- Cherry Tomatoes: The star of the dish, they bring a sweet, juicy burst of flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a sharp, aromatic kick that complements the tomatoes.
- Broth (Chicken or Vegetable): Provides the liquid base for the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Pasta: Serves as the hearty foundation of the dish.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to meld the flavors together.
- Basil Leaves: Offer a fresh, herby brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, cheesy element to the finished dish.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe step-by-step
- Cook the Pasta: According to the package instructions, cook the pasta until al dente. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Char the Tomatoes: While the pasta cooks, heat a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are charred and begin to burst, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the tomatoes, and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is soft and fragrant.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly and thickens to your desired consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Drizzle the olive oil into the sauce and add a handful of fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan, tossing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and more fresh basil. Serve a crisp green salad and crusty bread alongside this pasta.
📖 Substitutions and variations
For a fresh take on this recipe, try these easy tweaks. They add new flavors and bringing variety without having to learn a whole new meal.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan Options: Substitute the broth with vegetable broth and use vegan cheese.
- Spice It Up: Add chili or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Vegetables: Add in some spinach or
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing from a decade in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, here are my top tips for recipe success.
- Save Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, always save a cup of the pasta water. The starchy water is a key ingredient for adjusting the consistency of your sauce, making it silky and helping it to better cling to the pasta.
- Char Tomatoes Well: Ensure the tomatoes are well-charred. This caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their flavor and adding a depth to the sauce that you can’t get otherwise.
- Gradual Garlic Addition: Add garlic after the tomatoes have begun to burst to avoid burning it, which can introduce a bitter taste.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a suitable container for up to a month.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Usually, cherry tomatoes are sweet enough that they don’t need any sugar added, but if you find your sauce is too acidic then add a pinch of sugar.
This sauce works well with any pasta, though medium shapes like penne or fusilli will hold the sauce well.
Fresh basil is recommended for its flavor, but in a pinch, dried can be used at a third of the quantity.
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Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, red or a mix of colors
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water for later use, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Char the Tomatoes and Add Garlic: :
- Heat a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are charred and begin to burst, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the tomatoes, and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic turns golden but not burnt.
Simmer with Broth:
- Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly and thickens to your desired consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
Finish the Sauce:
- Drizzle the olive oil into the sauce and add a handful of fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan, tossing well to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve:
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and more fresh basil.
Notes
- Pasta Water: Using reserved pasta water helps to emulsify and thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings to the pasta more effectively.
- Herbs: Besides basil, add parsley or thyme for herbaceous notes.
- Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken slices or sautéed shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
Nutrition
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs. Cordon Bleu trained chef and recipe developer. I help you get incredible dinners on the table fast with fool-proof recipes and step-by-step instructions along with tips and tricks that I've learned over a 10-year career in professional kitchens.
It was delicious. Definitely a keeper in this house 😊👍
So happy this recipe was such a hit! 🙂
I absolutely loved this recipe. Easy to make and a great way to use fresh cherry tomatoes.
I used fresh yellow pear & red large tomatoes, garlic & basil all from my garden. The vegetable bullion I used was "Better than Bullion". I had some no yolk noodles left over so used those. This was so tasty and I am not a huge pasta lover!
Amazing adaptations! So happy you loved it. 🙂