Pasta with Cherry Tomato Sauce

Looking for a simple and delicious recipe that showcases the best of fresh summer tomatoes? This easy pasta with cherry tomato sauce is perfect for you! Made with just a few basic ingredients, this recipe is quick to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors. In just 20 minutes, you can have a savory pasta ready to enjoy. Ideal for using up ripe tomatoes from your backyard garden, this dish is a fantastic way to savor garden-fresh taste all year long.

In this post, I'll show you how to make a basic pasta with fresh tomatoes, a must-know dish for every home cook. This easy and tasty pasta is great on its own, but you can also make it even better by adding seasoned chicken, fish, shrimp, or meatballs.

I'll provide a detailed list of ingredients, easy-to-follow cooking steps, and some helpful tips to ensure your pasta turns out perfectly every time. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a casual meal, this recipe is versatile and sure to impress.

For additional cherry tomato recipe ideas, explore these dishes: roasted cherry tomatoes, and sheet pan gnocchi. Also, be sure to check out other easy pasta recipes like these simple mushroom pasta and lemon pasta.

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Ingredients:
How to Make Pasta with Cherry Tomato Sauce:
Tips for Perfect Pasta with Tomatoes:
FAQs:
Storage:
How to Reheat:
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Ingredients:

To make this delicious pasta with cherry tomato sauce, you'll need the following ingredients:

Long pasta (such as spaghetti or angel hair pasta): These types of pasta work best because their texture complements the sauce perfectly.
Fresh cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, adding vibrant flavor to the dish.
Dry white wine: A splash of white wine enhances the tomato flavor and adds a subtle depth to the sauce.
Fresh basil leaves: Basil provides a fragrant, aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.
Garlic: Garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce and a bit of richness.
Shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter onion flavor compared to regular onions, which complements the tomatoes nicely.
Red pepper flakes: These add a hint of spice and heat to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a creamy, salty finish that brings the entire dish together.

Each ingredient is chosen to enhance the fresh, summery flavor of the tomatoes while adding layers of taste and texture to the pasta.

How to Make Pasta with Cherry Tomato Sauce:

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's dive into making this delicious pasta with tomatoes. This straightforward cooking process ensures you get a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your long pasta or about 1 minute less than the time recommended on the package. Before draining, reserve at least ¾ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften and release their juices.

Stir in the minced garlic, salt, shallots, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1 minute, or until the garlic and shallots become fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, shallots, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1 minute, or until the garlic and shallots become fragrant.

Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let the sauce simmer for about 4 minutes, allowing it to reduce.

Step 4: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let the sauce simmer for about 4 minutes, allowing it to reduce.

Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss in the fresh basil and reserved pasta water, stirring well to combine everything. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss in the fresh basil and reserved pasta water, stirring well to combine everything. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful pasta with tomatoes!

Step 6: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful pasta with tomatoes!

Tips for Perfect Pasta with Tomatoes:

Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It's starchy and helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta, giving it a creamy texture.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: To avoid mushy pasta, cook it just until it's al dente-tender but with a slight bite. It will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce.
Use Fresh Tomatoes: For the best flavor, use ripe cherry tomatoes. They add a sweet and juicy burst that enhances the dish.
Don't Overcrowd the Skillet: If you're making a large batch, consider using a bigger skillet or dividing the ingredients into two pans. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. This ensures the flavors are balanced and to your preference.
Grate Parmesan Fresh: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds a richer flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
Serve Immediately: Pasta is best enjoyed fresh. Serve the dish right after mixing with the sauce to ensure the pasta remains perfectly coated and flavorful.

FAQs:

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any long pasta such as spaghetti, angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine. Choose your favorite type or what you have on hand.

Can I substitute cherry tomatoes with another type of tomato?

Cherry tomatoes are preferred for their sweetness and juiciness, but you can use other tomatoes if needed. If using larger tomatoes, chop them into small pieces and cook them longer to achieve a similar consistency.

Is there a non-alcoholic option for the dry white wine?

You can skip the dry white wine if you'd like. While the wine adds depth of flavor, the dish will still have a savory base without it.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spiciness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before adding the cooked pasta.

What can I serve with this pasta?

This pasta pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, or meatballs for a more substantial meal.

How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

To make it vegetarian, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegetarian substitute. For a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure no animal-based broths are used.

Storage:

To store pasta with cherry tomato sauce, let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

How to Reheat:

To reheat pasta with cherry tomato sauce, you can use one of these methods:

Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

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