Description
A quick and flavorful Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe that combines al dente spaghetti with a vibrant cherry tomato and garlic sauce, finished with fresh basil and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a light and delicious weeknight meal, enhanced by optional creamy ricotta or burrata cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb. dry spaghetti (or linguine)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 lbs cherry tomatoes (just reds, or a combination)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, or to taste)
- 1/2 to 1 tsp granulated sugar (only if needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (sliced into ribbons), divided
- 1/2 cup (28g) finely shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Ricotta cheese, fresh mozzarella, or burrata cheese (any selection brought to room temperature for 30 minutes, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Tomatoes: While pasta is cooking, heat 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil in a 12-inch sauté pan or pot over medium heat. Add 2 lbs cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Add 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Sauté for another 3 minutes, gently breaking down some tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon.
- Simmer Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1/2 to 1 tsp granulated sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic. Simmer over medium-low heat until most cherry tomatoes have burst, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese. Add the drained pasta, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss well and warm together for about 1 minute, adding more pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Plate and Garnish: Serve pasta topped with remaining 1/4 cup chopped basil and additional parmesan cheese to taste. If desired, garnish with dollops of ricotta, fresh mozzarella, or burrata cheese brought to room temperature to enhance creaminess.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining to help loosen and finish the sauce for perfect consistency.
- If cherry tomatoes are very acidic, adjust with sugar to balance flavors.
- Use fresh basil for the best aromatic finish, adding half during cooking and half at the end for freshness.
- Any soft fresh cheese like ricotta, burrata, or fresh mozzarella adds a rich contrast to the tangy tomato sauce.
- For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to taste or omit if preferred mild.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
