Name: Cherry Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, or penne); 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

I love cherry tomato pasta because it’s light, fresh, and full of bright flavor. I enjoy how juicy tomatoes burst into a simple sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, creating a meal that feels comforting yet effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s quick, simple, and made with ingredients I usually already have. I enjoy how fresh cherry tomatoes shine without needing much else, and I appreciate how this pasta works perfectly for busy weeknights or relaxed meals when I want something easy and satisfying. Cherry Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta of choice
cherry tomatoes
olive oil
garlic
salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes
fresh basil
grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until al dente. I reserve a bit of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add sliced garlic and cook it gently until fragrant. I add the cherry tomatoes and cook them until they soften and begin to burst, releasing their juices.

I season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, using a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. I finish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time takes around 10 minutes, cooking time is about 15 minutes, and the total time comes to roughly 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add mozzarella pearls for a creamy touch. I like stirring in olives or capers for a briny flavor. When I want extra protein, I add grilled chicken or shrimp.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to keep it from drying out. Cherry Tomato Pasta

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

I can, but I prefer cherry tomatoes because they give a fresher flavor and better texture.

What pasta shape works best?

I like spaghetti, linguine, or penne, but almost any pasta works well.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

I keep the heat moderate and add the tomatoes quickly so the garlic cooks gently.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

I make it vegan by skipping the Parmesan or using a plant-based alternative.

What can I serve with cherry tomato pasta?

I like serving it with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

I enjoy cherry tomato pasta because it’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. I love how simple ingredients come together into a light, comforting dish that I can enjoy any time I want a quick and satisfying meal.