If you have been searching for a simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish to brighten up your weeknight dinners, then let me introduce you to this irresistible Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe. It’s a vibrant celebration of fresh cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, infused with aromatic garlic and spicy red pepper flakes, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh basil. Every bite delivers a harmonious balance of tangy, savory, and herbal notes, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for both busy evenings and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe so unforgettable.
- 12 oz. uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite shape; it serves as the comforting base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps gently soften the garlic and tomatoes without frying.
- 4 garlic cloves (smashed): Infuses the dish with a fragrant, mellow depth that’s utterly addictive.
- 1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes: The star ingredient, bursting with juicy sweetness that transforms into a naturally tangy sauce.
- ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes: Provides just the right amount of heat to awaken your taste buds without overpowering.
- 1 cup basil leaves: Fresh and bright, basil ties the entire dish together with its herbal aroma and flavor.
- 1½ tsp. kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors, making each bite sing.
- 1 oz. fresh grated Parmesan (about â…“ cup, plus more for serving): Adds umami richness that melts into the sauce creating a silky finish.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): The final touch of subtle spice to balance the flavors appropriately.
How to Make Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, as you want that slight firmness to hold up against the luscious sauce. When drained, drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta to prevent sticking and keep it glossy, then set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Infuse Olive Oil with Garlic
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over low heat and add the smashed garlic cloves. Keep the heat low to gently coax out the garlic’s fragrance without allowing it to brown or turn bitter. This step lays the aromatic foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Once the garlic starts to soften and release its aroma, add the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Increase the heat to medium and stir everything to combine. The salt helps the tomatoes break down more easily, and the pepper flakes provide a gentle kick.
Step 4: Create the Bursting Tomato Sauce
Keep stirring frequently as the tomatoes begin to soften and naturally burst, releasing their juices. Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush some of the tomatoes, encouraging the sauce to thicken and develop texture. After about 10 minutes, the sauce will be rich and slightly chunky. You can continue crushing the tomatoes with your spoon or switch to a potato masher for a smoother consistency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Cheese, and Basil
Pour the hot sauce directly over your cooked pasta and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well so the cheese melts fully into the sauce, coating every strand and pocket of pasta with creaminess. Finally, fold in the fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and herbaceous flavor. Divide into bowls and add extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper if you like.
How to Serve Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and taste, consider topping the pasta with a few additional basil leaves scattered on top and a generous grating of Parmesan. A drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil at the end adds a beautiful sheen and aroma that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and add a comforting crunch. Roasted vegetables also complement the meal, adding sweetness and depth.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe in rustic individual bowls sprinkled with edible flowers or microgreens for a visually stunning touch. For a casual gathering, present the sauce and pasta separately so guests can assemble their own plates, making the experience interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tomatoes will continue to develop flavor, making the reheated dish often even tastier than when freshly made.
Freezing
While pasta and delicate basil don’t freeze perfectly, you can freeze the tomato sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for a quick meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil or water to restore moisture. Stir often to prevent sticking. Adding a handful of fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan after reheating refreshes the dish beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and tendency to burst easily, you can use grape tomatoes or halved small tomatoes if needed. Larger tomatoes can be chopped, but they won’t create quite the same naturally saucy texture.
Is this dish suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. The sauce itself is vegan-friendly thanks to the olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free version. The sauce remains the same and works wonderfully with any type of pasta.
How spicy is the Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that enhances the flavors without overwhelming your palate. You can always adjust the amount up or down based on your preference.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Long strands like spaghetti or linguine work beautifully, but short shapes like penne or rigatoni are great too, as they scoop up the sauce perfectly. Choose what you love and enjoy the dish your way!
Final Thoughts
This Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with comforting flavor that never gets old. I encourage you to make this recipe soon and watch it become a treasured favorite in your home, just like it has in mine!
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Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 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 quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Fresh cherry tomatoes are gently cooked until they burst and release their sweetness, combined with garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil to create a vibrant sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta. Finished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, this pasta is simple yet bursting with fresh, bright flavors.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz. uncooked pasta
For the 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
- 1 oz. fresh grated Parmesan (about â…“ cup, plus more for serving)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Infuse olive oil with garlic: Heat a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and the smashed garlic cloves. Cook gently until the garlic is fragrant and soft, making sure not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: When the garlic is softened and aromatic, add the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Increase the heat to medium, stirring everything together to combine.
- Cook and burst tomatoes: Cook the tomatoes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. As they heat, the tomatoes will start to burst, releasing their juices to form a sauce. Use the back of the spoon or a potato masher to crush some of the tomatoes, encouraging the sauce to thicken. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Toss pasta with sauce and finish: Pour the hot burst tomato sauce over the cooked pasta. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir well to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce. Gently fold in the fresh basil leaves. Divide the pasta among serving bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
Notes
- Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best sweet and tangy flavor in the sauce.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn the sauce bitter.
- If you prefer a spicier pasta, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- This pasta is best served immediately to enjoy the freshness of the basil and burst tomatoes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or water.
