Name: Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice; ½ teaspoon salt (for pasta water); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; Additional olive oil for drizzling (optional)

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If there’s one dish that captures the very essence of summer in a single bite, it’s Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta. This vibrant, quick pasta brings together sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic fresh basil, and a shower of Parmesan for an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a little Italian holiday. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a lightning-fast cook time, you’ll find yourself making this recipe on repeat whenever you crave something fresh, flavorful, and downright comforting.

Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta is all about letting a few key ingredients shine. Each component is chosen for its ability to add flavor, color, or texture to the dish—so try to get the freshest you can find for the best results.

Spaghetti or pasta of choice (12 oz): Choose your favorite shape; spaghetti is classic, but penne or fusilli catch the sauce beautifully too.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps carry all the flavors; a good quality extra-virgin olive oil makes a big difference here.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings irresistible aroma and a subtle bite to the sauce.
Cherry tomatoes (3 cups, halved): The star ingredient—these burst into a sweet, tangy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and keeps the pasta perfectly seasoned.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and depth.
Red pepper flakes (pinch, optional): For a hint of heat that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Melts into the pasta for a creamy finish and nutty flavor.
Fresh basil leaves (1 cup, torn): Lively and fragrant, basil is what makes this dish sing of summer.
Additional olive oil for drizzling (optional): A little drizzle at the end adds silkiness and a touch of luxury.

How to Make Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti (or chosen pasta) until it’s perfectly al dente. This gives the noodles just enough bite to hold up against the juicy sauce. Remember to reserve about half a cup of the cooking water before draining; it’s the secret to a silky, cohesive pasta that clings to every noodle.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, set a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. The kitchen will instantly fill with that irresistible garlic aroma, but be careful not to let it brown—just fragrant is perfect.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Tomatoes & Seasonings

Scatter in your halved cherry tomatoes, followed by the salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Let everything cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will begin to soften and burst, releasing their sweet juices and creating a fresh, chunky sauce.

Step 4: Toss Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Add the drained pasta straight to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Use tongs to toss everything together, making sure the noodles are well coated with the glossy tomato sauce. Let it all mingle on the heat for another minute or two, so the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan & Basil

Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves. Stir gently so the cheese melts into the sauce and the basil releases its perfume. For an extra touch of luxury, drizzle a little more olive oil over the top just before serving.

How to Serve Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly grated Parmesan and a scattering of torn basil leaves will make your Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta look and taste restaurant-worthy. If you want to add a pop of color, a few extra halved cherry tomatoes right on top never hurt either!

Side Dishes

This pasta is lovely with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, some crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of sauce, or even a platter of grilled vegetables. If you want to make it a heartier meal, pair it with a simple protein like grilled chicken or white beans.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the pasta high in a big serving bowl and let everyone help themselves, or twirl individual nests onto plates for a more elegant presentation. For casual gatherings, serve Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta family-style alongside a few bowls of garnishes so guests can customize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making leftovers almost as tasty as the first time around.

Freezing

While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Be aware that the texture of the tomatoes and basil will change, but it’ll still make a satisfying quick meal.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, and don’t forget to freshen things up with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While spaghetti is a classic choice, any pasta shape you love will work beautifully. Short shapes like penne or fusilli are especially good at catching the tomato sauce and basil.

What’s the best way to make this recipe vegan?

Simply swap the Parmesan cheese for your favorite vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Everything else in Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta is already plant-based, so it’s an easy transition.

How can I add protein to this dish?

For a heartier meal, toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even white beans for a vegetarian boost. These additions work well with the light, summery flavors of the pasta.

Can I make Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce components in advance, but for the freshest taste and best texture, toss everything together just before serving. If you do make it ahead, reserve a little extra pasta water to loosen things up when reheating.

What kind of cherry tomatoes should I use?

Any variety of cherry or grape tomatoes will work, so go for whatever looks ripest and most colorful at the market. Mixing yellow and red tomatoes adds a beautiful visual pop to Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta is about to become your new go-to. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see just how delicious a handful of simple ingredients can be when cooked with love. Let me know how it turns out, and don’t forget to share it with someone you love!

Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and easy-to-make Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta recipe featuring al dente spaghetti tossed with sautéed garlic and bursting cherry tomatoes, topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick, flavorful, and vegetarian weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
½ teaspoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving:

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Additional olive oil for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or your choice of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, to release its aroma.
Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst, creating a fresh, flavorful sauce.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta back into the skillet with the tomatoes. Pour in the reserved pasta water to help bind the sauce and toss everything together. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld well.
Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired. Serve immediately for a fresh, tasty meal.