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If you are looking for a vibrant, fresh, and irresistibly flavorful pasta dish, the Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes that literally burst with flavor, garlicky olive oil, and fragrant basil, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this pasta delivers a lush, comforting taste with a bright and fresh finish that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the vibrant cherry tomatoes delivering freshness and sweetness, to the sharpness of Parmesan that adds depth, and the fresh basil leaves tying all the flavors together harmoniously.
- 12 oz. uncooked pasta: Use your favorite pasta shape; it serves as the perfect vehicle for the sauce.
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil: Adds rich, silky texture and is essential for gently infusing the garlic flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves (smashed): Imparts a fragrant, savory base to the sauce without overpowering it.
- 1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes: The star of the dish—these juicy little gems burst to coat the pasta in a luscious, naturally sweet sauce.
- ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes: Brings a subtle kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 1 cup basil leaves: Fresh basil adds a pop of herbal aroma and color right before serving.
- 1½ tsp. kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors while seasoning the tomatoes and pasta perfectly.
- 1 oz. fresh grated Parmesan (about â…“ cup, plus more for serving): Adds a salty, nutty richness that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste): A final seasoning touch for added warmth and depth.
How to Make Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta exactly according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once drained, give it a quick drizzle of olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking and set it aside. This simple step ensures that each strand or piece stays separate and ready to absorb the tomato sauce.
Step 2: Infuse the Olive Oil
Heat a medium saucepan over low heat and pour in the extra-virgin olive oil along with the smashed garlic cloves. Cook gently until the garlic is fragrant and soft but not browned. This slow infusing warms the oil with a gentle garlic flavor that forms the aromatic backbone of the sauce.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Season
Now it’s time for the star ingredient: add the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the gently infused olive oil. Turn the heat up to medium and stir everything together so the flavors start to mingle.
Step 4: Burst and Thicken the Sauce
As the tomatoes heat through, they’ll begin to burst — releasing their natural juices and creating a rich, chunky sauce. Use the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to crush some of the tomatoes as you stir, which helps thicken the sauce and distribute the luscious tomato flavor evenly. After about 10 minutes, you’ll notice the sauce has thickened beautifully and carries that irresistible homemade feeling.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Pour your vibrant tomato sauce over the cooked pasta in a large bowl or the pot itself. Add the grated Parmesan and stir gently so the cheese melts into the sauce, adding creaminess and a savory punch. Finally, fold in the fresh basil leaves for a refreshing herbal note before dividing the pasta among bowls.
How to Serve Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle additional freshly grated Parmesan and a little extra cracked black pepper over each serving. These garnishes not only elevate flavor but add a lovely visual contrast to the glossy tomato sauce and bright green basil.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of that bursting tomato sauce. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the freshness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe family-style in a large rustic bowl garnished with whole basil sprigs. Alternatively, plate individual portions in shallow bowls, drizzled with a touch more olive oil and sprinkled with microgreens or edible flowers for a stunning touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for about 3-4 days, making it a wonderful option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Freezing tomato pasta sauces can sometimes affect texture, so for best results, it’s recommended to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. The sauce can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
To reheat your leftover Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently so the pasta heats evenly and the cheese remains smooth. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherry tomatoes for this recipe?
Fresh cherry tomatoes are ideal for the burst effect and fresh flavor, but if frozen tomatoes are your only option, thaw them first and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Any pasta shape that holds sauce well is perfect—spaghetti, linguine, or even short shapes like penne or rigatoni. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand for an equally delicious result.
Is this dish spicy because of the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a mild, warming kick that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount or omit them if you prefer no heat at all.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta would pair wonderfully. Add cooked protein at the end along with the basil to maintain the fresh flavors.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply omit the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to keep the cheesy, savory note without dairy.
Final Thoughts
The Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Once you try this, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. So grab some ripe cherry tomatoes, get that garlic sizzling, and dive into this delicious journey of vibrant, homemade Italian goodness!
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Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pasta coated in a fresh, homemade sauce made from gently cooked cherry tomatoes, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. The sauce bursts with the natural sweetness and juiciness of the tomatoes, enhanced by the subtle heat of red pepper and the richness of Parmesan cheese, making it an easy and impressive meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
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
Finishing
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 1 oz fresh grated Parmesan cheese (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. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Infuse the olive oil with garlic: Heat a medium saucepan over low heat and add the olive oil along with the smashed garlic cloves. Gently cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft, taking care not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Increase the heat to medium and add the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer and crush tomatoes: Cook the mixture, stirring frequently. As the tomatoes warm, they will start to burst. Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush some of the tomatoes. After about 10 minutes, the sauce should begin to thicken. Continue to crush the tomatoes to your desired consistency, either with the spoon or a potato masher.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over the cooked pasta in a large bowl or pot. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir to coat the pasta thoroughly, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
- Add fresh basil and serve: Stir in the fresh basil leaves just before serving. Divide the pasta into individual bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use cherry tomatoes at room temperature for better bursting and flavor release.
- Do not brown the garlic; cooking it gently on low heat releases the best flavor without bitterness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Fresh basil is added at the end to retain its bright flavor and color.
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- This recipe works best with short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, which hold the sauce well.
