Cherry tomato pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that celebrates the bright and sweet taste of ripe cherry tomatoes. This pasta dish involves cooking cherry tomatoes in olive oil with garlic until they burst and release their juices, creating a delicious sauce. The cooked tomatoes are then tossed with al dente pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and finished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves for a burst of freshness. The result is a light and vibrant pasta dish that is bursting with flavor and perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes. It’s a quick and easy meal that is sure to please the whole family and is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.
Cherry Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves finely chopped
- 3 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of sugar
- 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
- Freshly grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a 12" skillet or wide heavy saucepan over medium-high. Add garlic, then tomatoes, pepper, sugar, and 1 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and release their juices to form a sauce, 6–8 minutes.
- Toss pasta with tomato sauce and basil. Top with Parmesan.