Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
Oh, if you’re looking for a pasta recipe that feels like a little taste of sunshine but doesn’t keep you tethered to the stove, this Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, where those sweet, burst-y cherry tomatoes come alive with garlic and fresh basil in just minutes. I promise, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you want something that feels effortlessly gourmet.
What I love most about this Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe is how it stretches fresh ingredients into something comforting but light. Plus, it’s forgiving, so you can tweak it to your liking while still coming out with delicious results. Whether you’ve got a crowd or just yourself, it’s one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again.
Why This Recipe Works
- Speed without Sacrificing Flavor: You get a rich, creamy tomato sauce in under 25 minutes — no long simmering needed.
- Uses Simple, Fresh Ingredients: Just garlic, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, basil, and cheese transform into something truly delicious.
- One-Pan Sauce Magic: The burst tomatoes create an irresistibly fresh sauce right in the skillet, minimizing cleanup.
- Perfectly Creamy Finish: Adding reserved pasta water and olive oil lets you adjust sauce texture effortlessly every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe relies on high-quality, simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Choosing the best tomatoes and fresh herbs makes all the difference, so here are some of my tips when shopping.
- Dry Pasta: I usually pick spaghetti or linguine for the perfect texture that clings to the sauce well.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce to bring out natural flavors.
- Garlic: Thinly sliced, not crushed or minced, so it softens evenly without burning.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use good quality—this oil really shines in the final flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Look for ripe, firm tomatoes—if they’re in season, they’re just bursting with sweetness.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, herbaceous freshness; roughly chopped for more texture.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For that earthy, spicy kick that complements the tomatoes.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that salty, nutty finish, it makes this feel special without extra fuss.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of my favorite things about this Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether it’s adding a little heat or tossing in extra herbs, you can make it uniquely yours without losing that signature quick comfort.
- Spicy Twist: I often add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat that wakes up the dish.
- Greens Upgrade: Throwing in some baby spinach or arugula at the end adds a fresh, peppery note and a pop of color.
- Protein Boost: Leftover grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp stirred in make it a more filling meal without compromising simplicity.
- Cheese Party: Mixing Parmesan with Pecorino Romano can deepen the savory flavors if you want to switch things up.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Start Cooking Pasta Like a Pro
Begin by placing the dry pasta directly into a large skillet or sauté pan—you want enough room to toss it later. Cover with plenty of water and add a big pinch of kosher salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat, stirring now and then to prevent sticking. Cook until just shy of al dente—about a minute less than the package suggests—because your pasta will finish cooking in the sauce. Trust me, this step makes all the difference for a perfectly coated noodle.
Step 2: Garlic and Olive Oil – Gentle Magic
While the pasta bubbles away, heat four tablespoons of olive oil over medium in a 12-inch skillet. Add the thinly sliced garlic and stir frequently—soften it gently without letting it brown, about three minutes. This soft garlic oil forms the bedrock of your sauce’s aromatic base and prevents any bitter flavors.
Step 3: Cherry Tomatoes Take the Stage
Toss in your cherry tomatoes and keep stirring as they start to burst—gently press them with the back of a wooden spoon to speed things up. After about ten minutes, you’ll see their skins blister and juices ooze out, creating a rustic, vibrant sauce. This part fills your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma—don’t rush it!
Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce and Finish with Basil
Keep cooking the tomatoes for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy—like a beautiful, natural tomato cream sauce without any cream! Stir in the fresh basil, then season with salt and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. This stage is all about balancing flavors so taste as you go.
Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce Perfectly
Drain your pasta, reserving a cup of the starchy pasta water. Add the pasta to the sauce pan, turn the heat to medium-high, and toss constantly. Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until the sauce becomes silky and clings beautifully to each strand. Remove from heat, drizzle the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil for richness, and grate a generous shower of Parmesan on top. Serve immediately and watch how fast it disappears!
Pro Tips for Making Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Keep the garlic soft but pale to avoid bitterness that can overpower the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water Wisely: The starchy water is your secret weapon to achieving that restaurant-quality creamy sauce.
- Use a Wide Skillet: It helps the tomatoes cook evenly and blister nicely without steaming.
- Finish Off With Fresh Basil: Add it at the end so it keeps its vibrant flavor and freshness.
How to Serve Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a fan of finishing this pasta with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a few extra basil leaves for color and freshness. Sometimes, I toss on a drizzle of good olive oil or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if I’m craving a bit of heat. It’s all about those little touches that make it feel like home.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. On days when I want something more substantial, roasted vegetables or a side of grilled Italian sausage round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like to serve this pasta in individual bowls topped with whole basil leaves and a light dusting of Parmesan. Garnishing with edible flowers or a swirl of basil pesto can also add a surprising burst of color. Trust me, these little presentation upgrades make your simple Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe feel special and Instagram-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge and eaten within 2 days. Because the sauce is fresh tomato-based without heavy cream, it holds up well but may thicken slightly; just add a splash of olive oil or water when reheating to bring it back to life.
Freezing
I’ve found that freezing the Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe isn’t ideal because the tomato sauce loses some of its fresh brightness and the pasta texture can get mushy after thawing. If you must freeze, store the sauce and pasta separately.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of pasta water or olive oil to bring back that glossy, creamy texture. Avoid microwaving too long or at high power to prevent drying out or overcooking the pasta.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and ease of bursting, grape tomatoes or diced fresh plum tomatoes can work well too. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the tomato size and juiciness.
-
What pasta shapes work best for this sauce?
Long, thin pastas like spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini are perfect because the sauce clings nicely, but short shapes like penne or rigatoni also work—just toss well to coat.
-
How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative. The sauce itself is naturally dairy-free and flavorful all on its own.
-
Why do I need to reserve pasta water?
That starchy water helps emulsify the sauce as you toss it with the pasta, creating a creamy texture that clings beautifully. Without it, the sauce might be too thick or oily.
Final Thoughts
This Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe is one of those simple dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl—fresh, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. I love how it turns just a few ingredients into a bright, luscious meal that feels special with little effort. Give it a try the next time you want dinner that’s quick, delicious, and totally reliable—I’m confident you’ll find yourself making this one time and time again.
Print
Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy pasta recipe featuring a rich, creamy cherry tomato sauce blistered with garlic and fresh basil, finished with Parmesan cheese for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound dry pasta
- Kosher salt
Sauce
- 4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes (about 2 pints)
- 1 ounce fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Place pasta in a large skillet or sauté pan and cover with water and a big pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Boil until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than the package instructions recommend.
- Prepare the garlic and olive oil: Meanwhile, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil and the sliced garlic in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until the garlic softens but does not brown, about 3 minutes.
- Add and cook the tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to burst, about 10 minutes. Press the tomatoes gently with the back of a wooden spoon to help them soften.
- Simmer the sauce: Continue cooking the tomato mixture until the sauce becomes rich and creamy, about 5 minutes longer. Stir in the chopped basil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add the pasta to the tomato sauce in the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and toss constantly, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and grate a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Serve immediately, passing extra Parmesan at the table.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with in-season or supermarket grape tomatoes for a similar flavor.
- Be careful not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water is key for adjusting the sauce consistency to creamy perfection.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.
- Serve with extra Parmesan cheese to suit individual taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
