This Easy Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta is fresh and flavorful! It features sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of garlic, all tossed with your favorite pasta. Yum!
If you want a quick dinner that feels special, this is it! I love making it on busy evenings because it’s super simple—just cook, mix, and enjoy. Pair it with a sprinkle of cheese for extra delight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using pasta shells for their fun shape that holds sauce well. You can swap in any pasta, like spaghetti or rotini, depending on what you have at home.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes are key for sweetness. If they’re out of season, use canned diced tomatoes instead. They won’t be as sweet, but they’ll still work well.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings great flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder can substitute—just use about 1/8 tsp, but add it earlier to cook off the raw flavor.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the dish. You could use avocado oil for a different flavor, or in a pinch, vegetable oil works too.
Basil: Fresh basil is ideal, providing a fragrant touch. Dried basil can be an alternative, though you should use less since it’s more concentrated.
Cheese: Fresh mozzarella adds a pleasing creaminess. If you can’t find it, use diced regular mozzarella or a sprinkle of feta for a different, tasty twist.
How Do You Best Cook Cherry Tomatoes for Your Pasta?
Getting the tomatoes just right is crucial for great flavor. You want them soft and bursting with juice, so don’t rush this step.
- Heat oil before adding garlic to avoid burning it. Sauté for just 30 seconds to unlock flavor.
- Add cherry tomatoes and stir gently. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften and burst. This helps create a light sauce.
- Season at this point to boost the flavor profile. Taste and adjust as you go!
Using fresh ingredients and taking the time to cook them properly elevates your dish and brings out the best in every bite!
Easy Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz pasta shells (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (preferably yellow and red mixed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes boiling the pasta and another 10 minutes making the sauce and tossing everything together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until you can smell the garlic but it hasn’t turned brown. This brings out the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
3. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and burst. This creates that lovely fresh tomato sauce that will coat your pasta.
4. Season and Combine:
Season the tomato mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then reduce the heat to low. Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, using a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta nicely.
5. Finish with Basil and Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the roughly chopped fresh basil, giving everything a nice stir to combine. Plate your pasta and then add the fresh mozzarella balls on top. Drizzle a little more olive oil over everything and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
For a bit of extra flavor, you can garnish with additional red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper if you like it spicy. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of your Easy Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta!
FAQ: Easy Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While pasta shells work great for holding the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you love, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Cherry Tomatoes?
If cherry tomatoes are out of season or unavailable, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Just drain them well and add them to the skillet. They won’t be as sweet, but they will still add great flavor to your dish!
How Should I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply omit the fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese or substitute with your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives. You can also add a touch more olive oil for creaminess!
