Description
A vibrant and simple Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe that combines tender pasta with a fresh, lightly spiced tomato sauce infused with garlic and basil. This dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, showcasing the natural sweetness of burst cherry tomatoes complemented by Parmesan cheese and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 oz. uncooked pasta
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
For the Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves (smashed)
- 1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes
- ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1½ tsp. kosher salt
- 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 the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to 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.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat a medium saucepan over low heat and add the remaining olive oil along with the smashed garlic cloves. Cook gently until the garlic is fragrant and softened but not browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Increase the heat to medium and add the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Stir to combine and begin the cooking process.
- Burst and Thicken Tomatoes: Cook the tomatoes, stirring frequently. As they soften and start to burst, use the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to crush some tomatoes, releasing their juices and thickening the sauce. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over the cooked pasta and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir to coat the pasta evenly, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
- Add Fresh Basil: Stir in fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish. Divide the pasta among individual bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- Reserve some pasta water if you prefer a bit more saucy texture and add it as needed when mixing pasta and sauce.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for variation.
- Parmesan cheese adds umami and creaminess; for a vegetarian option, use vegetarian-friendly cheese.
