Cherry Tomato Pasta with basil-a delicious, easy, healthy, and simple meal that can be made from scratch in 10 minutes! Bursting with cherry tomatoes, fresh garlic and basil! This easy pasta recipe is sugar-free, dairy-free, and naturally vegan!
If you love simple summer pasta, you will also want to try my Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta, Penne con la Mozzarella, Pomodorini e Basilico, and Roasted Cherry Tomato and Tuna Pasta.
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This is the pasta recipe you will make all summer long when cherry tomatoes are at their sweetest! The tomatoes are mixed with fruity extra-virgin olive oil, fresh minced garlic, basil, salt and pepper. It's so easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Did I mention it's ready in just 10 minutes? Yes! The time it takes to cook the pasta, you will prep the cherry tomatoes. Really fast! And really flavorful!
As it is with any simple Italian recipe, it's the quality of the ingredients that will make this recipe extra special. And I HIGHLY recommend the best olive oil. Spend a little more and get a nice extra-virgin olive oil (I love my Sicilian EVOO). Also, look for the really fresh basil leaves.
Perhaps you have an herb garden that is bursting with fresh basil. This is the perfect recipe to use up some of it!
Ingredients
Here is all you need to make this really easy vegan pasta recipe:
- Penne pasta (or any other short pasta you have on hand): The base of the dish, pasta provides the satisfying, hearty element that carries the flavor of the other ingredients.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: A key component in Italian cooking, extra-virgin olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and tomatoes, releasing their flavors and creating a base for the sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: These add a burst of sweet, tangy flavor to the pasta. When cooked, they break down to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a lovely aromatic note to the dish. It is typically torn and added at the end of cooking to maintain its fresh flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Garlic is the heart of the dish, providing a deep, savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Salt + pepper: These seasonings enhance the flavors of the other ingredients, bringing balance to the dish.
How to make pasta with cherry tomatoes (step-by-step)
Once you gather all your ingredients, the first step is to cut the tomatoes in half and mince the garlic. I always have a jar of garlic minced in oil in my fridge, which makes it really convenient for cooking during the week.
As soon as the pasta cooks to al dente, drain it and place in a large bowl.
Drizzle on a just a little bit of olive oil and stir it together. Add the tomatoes to the pasta and stir to combine. Check the salt and pepper, and add if needed, to taste.
Recipe Tips
- Let the pasta cool slightly before combining. Piping hot pasta wilts the basil and can make the garlic taste harsh instead of fresh. A few minutes of cooling first keeps everything bright.
- Cherry tomatoes are the right choice, not a substitute. Larger tomatoes release too much liquid and turn the dish watery. If you only have big tomatoes, seed them and drain off excess liquid before using.
- Salt the pasta water properly. Use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt for a large pot of pasta water. Under-salted water is the most common reason this simple dish tastes flat.
- This is a flexible base recipe. Stir in cubed tofu, capers, olives, or a handful of vegan or dairy cheese for more depth. Swap the basil for arugula or parsley if that is what you have.
- Serve it warm or at room temperature. Both work beautifully, which makes this a great make-ahead option for a summer lunch.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Not recommended for freezing, as the tomatoes lose their texture.
What to serve with this cherry tomato pasta recipe
- Quick and Easy Italian Tomato Salad: A simple and flavorful salad that complements the pasta dish nicely.
- Grilled Chicken Cutlets with a Cherry Tomato Panzanella: This recipe features grilled chicken and a cherry tomato bread salad, offering a balance of protein and freshness.
- Broccoli Scacciata: A Sicilian savory pie made with pizza dough, filled with broccoli, onions, tomatoes, and olives. It's a hearty and flavorful addition to the meal.
- Authentic and Easy Italian Bruschetta: A classic Italian appetizer with fresh tomatoes and basil on toasted bread, perfect for starting your meal.
Some other pasta recipes to enjoy:
- Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Roasted Cherry Tomato and Tuna Pasta
- Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Sauce
- Vegan Cheese Sauce Pasta
- Penne with Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, and Basil
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Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes cut into quarters
- ½ lb pasta (I used penne, but any short pasta is fine)
- 4 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Fresh basil leaves shredded
- sea salt to taste (1-2 teaspoons)
- freshly ground pepper ½ teaspoon, or whatever you like
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Cook the pasta until it's al dente (look at directions on box for the exact time).
- While the pasta is cooking, prep the cherry tomatoes.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters and add to a large bowl.
- Add the extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and basil.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir to combine.
- As soon as the pasta is al dente, drain it. Drizzle some olive oil on the pasta and stir it together so it won't stick. Let the pasta cool down a few minutes before adding to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes.
- Once the pasta has cooled down, add it to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes and stir to combine. Check the seasoning, and add more salt and pepper to taste. Add some more fresh basil, if you like. Drizzle on a little more extra-virgin olive oil, if needed, and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Notes
- Use penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or any short pasta shape you prefer.
- Let the pasta cool slightly before mixing to keep the basil bright and the garlic mellow.
- Store: Airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Does not freeze well.
This vegan cherry tomato pasta is so fresh and vibrant. It’s the perfect easy dish that still feels bright and satisfying!
Threw this together with what I had in the fridge and wow. So simple but so good. The tomatoes burst and make their own sauce. New weeknight favorite.
This cherry tomato pasta is so delicious! I love that this recipe is vegan.
I love these type of dishes, where each ingredient and the quality of it matters and there is nothing to hide behind. Love the simplicity and deliciousness of good pasta and olive oil, and I cannot wait to make this again in a couple of months when I have some homegrown cherry tomatoes!
I'm a college student and recipes with few ingredients are my kind of meal. It turned out delicious, thank you.
Easy and delicious! I can't wait to make it again with cherry tomatoes from my garden ths summer!
Just love this recipe! It's so easy to make. Even the kids love it!
hi Anne-So happy you enjoy this vegan cherry tomato pasta recipe! Thanks for letting us know!