Description
Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rustic sauce made from blistered cherry tomatoes, infused with garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. This easy-to-make recipe bursts with fresh, summery flavors and is finished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.
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)
Garnish
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 1 oz. fresh grated Parmesan (about ⅓ cup, plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then drizzle it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Infuse Olive Oil with Garlic: Heat a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the olive oil and smashed garlic cloves. Cook gently until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to soften, making sure it does not brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Once the garlic is fragrant, add the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Increase the heat to medium and stir everything to combine well.
- Simmer and Burst Tomatoes: Continue cooking the tomatoes, stirring frequently. The cherry tomatoes will begin to burst as they cook. Use the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to gently crush some of the tomatoes, helping release their juices. After about 10 minutes, the sauce will start to thicken.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over the cooked pasta and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well so the cheese melts into the warm sauce, coating the pasta evenly. Stir in fresh basil leaves.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta among individual bowls. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve immediately for a fresh and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use good quality extra-virgin olive oil.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes if unavailable.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Fresh basil adds the best flavor—add it just before serving to keep it bright and aromatic.
- This recipe pairs well with a light green salad and crusty bread.
