Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe (Easy Fresh Garlic Tomato Pasta)
Make this cherry tomato pasta recipe for a fresh, easy dinner. Juicy tomatoes, garlic, and herbs create a simple, flavorful pasta perfect for weeknights.
Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine)
- Cherry tomatoes (ripe, halved or whole)
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: parmesan cheese, chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water before draining.
- Prepare Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic gently until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until blistered and softened.
- Combine: Toss drained pasta with tomato mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until sauce clings to pasta.
- Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Add parmesan or chili flakes if desired.
- Serve: Plate warm, with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Use ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness.
- Whole wheat or legume-based pasta adds fiber and protein.
- For a creamy variation, stir in ricotta or mascarpone.
- Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for 2–3 days.
- If freezing, store sauce separately from pasta.
- Garnish with fresh basil just before serving for aroma and color.