This Cherry Tomato Pasta is one of my favorite go-to dishes, simple yet packed with flavor from fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Made in just 20 minutes, it's the perfect way to enjoy summer produce.
What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together, making it ideal for nights when time is short but you still want something satisfying. It strikes a perfect balance, light yet hearty, with just the right mix of sweetness, tang, and a gentle hint of heat. I find it so versatile too, since it can stand beautifully on its own or be finished with a touch of cheese if you're craving something a little richer.
This cherry tomato pasta has become my go-to summer dish. The sauce is made even creamier with a bit of starchy pasta water. Every bite of this pasta is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, and it's quickly become one of those meals I turn to again and again when I want something light, flavorful, and satisfying.
Jump to:
⭐Why You'll Love This Cherry Tomato Pasta
- Quick and Easy: It's a simple recipe that you can whip up in no time, perfect for when you're short on time but still want something tasty.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The cherry tomatoes are naturally sweet and juicy, creating a light yet delicious sauce that you'll really enjoy.
🧾Cherry Tomato Pasta Ingredients
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Pasta & Olive Oil: I always reach for spaghetti because it clings to the sauce so well, making every bite satisfying. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil ties everything together and gives the dish that comforting richness I love.
- Cherry Tomatoes & Passata: I like the way cherry tomatoes soften and burst into little pops of sweetness, while the passata rounds it out with a smooth, rich depth. Together, they create a sauce that feels both fresh and hearty.
- Garlic & Basil: Garlic is something I can't cook without; it sets the base with that savory aroma I always look forward to. Adding fresh basil at the end brightens the whole dish, giving it that fresh, herby lift.
- Salt & Pepper: These may seem simple, but for me, seasoning as I go is what makes the difference. Tasting and adjusting along the way ensures the pasta is balanced and full of flavor.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Cherry Tomato Pasta
You can find the complete printable cherry tomato pasta recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add a generous amount of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes, until softened and slightly charred.
3. Remove the roasted cherry tomatoes from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Set them aside.
4. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add passata, garlic, and basil, then season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Allow the sauce to simmer for approximately 8 minutes to meld the flavors. Then, remove the basil and garlic cloves from the mixture.
6. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
7. Add some roasted cherry tomatoes to the pasta and stir until they are well incorporated.
8. Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, then finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
📖Variations
- Cherry Tomato and Spinach Pasta: Adding fresh spinach makes the dish feel lighter and adds a fresh, earthy flavor that complements the sweet tomatoes perfectly.
- Cherry Tomato and Pesto Pasta: Mixing in basil pesto with the passata gives the sauce a rich, herby flavor, making the dish feel vibrant and full of depth.
- Cherry Tomato and Spicy Sausage Pasta: Sautéing spicy sausage or chorizo adds a hearty, spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet tomatoes and makes the dish more filling.
🍽 What to Serve with Cherry Tomato Pasta
When I serve cherry tomato pasta, I love pairing it with garlic bread or ciabatta. The crusty bread soaks up the sauce and adds comfort to the meal.
A fresh tomato Burrata salad is a great addition, with its creamy richness and sweet tomatoes complementing the pasta perfectly.
A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a creamy touch. For dessert, I like to keep it light and refreshing with something like lemon tiramisu.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Freshness: I always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, because fresh basil and high-quality extra virgin olive oil make a huge difference and bring out the best in the dish.
Timing: I cook the pasta and sauce at the same time to make sure everything is hot and ready to combine without delay.
Storage: If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, so I can enjoy the meal again without losing any flavor.
🍝More Pasta Recipes!
If you enjoy cooking with pasta, here are some recipes to inspire you:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Pasta Alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta)
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta Fettuccine
- Gigi Hadid Pasta
- Spaghetti with Mussels
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dinner recipes! Try these:
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.
Recipe
Cherry Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 250 g Pasta
- 5 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 100 g Cherry Tomatoes
- 700 g Passata
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- Basil
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season with salt, add the pasta, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes start to soften and roasted, about 3 minutes.
- Remove the roasted cherry tomatoes from the pan and place them on a plate. Set aside.
- In a large pan, add the extra virgin olive oil and heat over medium heat.
- Pour in the passata, add garlic gloves and basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove the basil and garlic cloves from the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and a little bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired sauce consistency. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add some roasted cherry tomatoes to the pasta and toss until well combined.
- Serve the pasta on serving plates. Garnish with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious Cherry Tomato Pasta!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This cherry tomato pasta is so fresh and flavorful! The perfect quick and easy weeknight meal.