Description
This Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines sweet cherry tomatoes gently cooked until they burst in a savory garlic and olive oil sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, fresh basil, and topped with freshly grated Parmesan, this recipe comes together quickly in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 1 oz. fresh grated Parmesan (about ⅓ cup, plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well 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 olive oil along with the smashed garlic cloves. Cook gently until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Once the garlic softens, add the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Increase heat to medium and stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer and Burst Tomatoes: Continue cooking, stirring frequently. The cherry tomatoes will begin to burst. Use the back of a wooden spoon to crush some of the tomatoes against the pan. After about 10 minutes, the sauce will start to thicken. Keep crushing the tomatoes gently to create a chunky sauce consistency.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the tomato sauce over the cooked pasta and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly so the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Stir in the fresh basil leaves to finish the dish with a fragrant herbal note. Divide among bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and bursting effect.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder sauce.
- Drizzling olive oil on the cooked pasta prevents it from sticking before adding the sauce.
- Adding fresh basil at the end preserves its bright flavor and color.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
