When you’re ready to create a delicious Cherry Tomato Pasta, gather your kitchen tools: a large pot, a skillet, a wooden spoon, and a colander.
Begin by boiling water for your pasta, adding a pinch of salt for taste.
Cook spaghetti until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, sauté minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat, adding halved cherry tomatoes.
Season and cook until softened. Discover how to elevate this dish further.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 colander
Ingredients
- 300 grams spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Cherry Tomato Pasta, you can follow this timeline:
Preparation:
- Reading Time: 2 minutes
- Quickly read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Mince the garlic and set aside.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
- Chop the fresh basil leaves and set aside.
Cooking:
3. Cook Time (15 minutes):
- Minute 1-2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Minute 3-7: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Minute 8-9: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Minute 10: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Minute 11-15: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
4. Final Steps:
- Minute 16: Drain the cooked pasta using a colander and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Minute 17-18: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and toss to combine.
- Minute 19: If necessary, add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Minute 20: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Minute 21: Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Drain the cooked pasta using a colander and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and toss to combine.
If necessary, add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Stir in the fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Serving Tips
- Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements the flavors of the pasta and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette adds balance and a revitalizing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrients and color.
- Grilled Chicken: Add some protein to your meal with simple grilled chicken, seasoned with herbs for extra flavor.
- Caprese Salad: A traditional Italian salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil mirrors the pasta’s ingredients and enhances the meal’s theme.
Storage
To store cherry tomato pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
To freeze cherry tomato pasta, let it cool completely.
Then transfer it to an airtight container.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat cherry tomato pasta, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of water if needed.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Tomato Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
The combination of ripe cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil creates a delightful sauce that complements the pasta beautifully.
This dish isn’t only quick to prepare but also allows for flexibility in seasoning and ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering, Cherry Tomato Pasta is sure to impress.
Experiment with different herbs or add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes to make it your own.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and simplicity of this classic pasta dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Regular Spaghetti?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat pasta for regular spaghetti. Cook 300 grams of whole wheat pasta in salted water until al dente. Follow the original recipe’s instructions, adjusting cooking time if needed for ideal texture.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese if I’m Lactose Intolerant?
You can substitute Parmesan cheese with 1/4 cup nutritional yeast. It’s lactose-free and provides a cheesy flavor. Sprinkle it over the pasta just before serving, ensuring even distribution for a consistent taste throughout the dish.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan-Friendly?
To make it vegan-friendly, replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. Use 1/4 cup nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Confirm your pasta is egg-free. Follow the original steps, substituting as needed. Enjoy your vegan pasta!
Are There Any Wine Pairings Recommended for This Pasta?
For wine pairings, choose a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Their acidity complements tomatoes. For red, go with a light-bodied Chianti. Serve chilled whites or slightly cool reds for ideal taste.
What Protein Can I Add to Make It a More Filling Meal?
Add 200 grams of cooked chicken breast, diced, or 150 grams of shrimp, sautéed. Stir it into the pasta in step 7. Verify the protein is fully cooked before combining. Adjust seasoning after adding protein.
Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 colander
Ingredients
- 300 grams spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 400 grams cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Drain the cooked pasta using a colander and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and toss to combine.
- If necessary, add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Stir in the fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
