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!
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Jump To
- Why You’ll Love This Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
- What are the benefits of cherry tomatoes?
- What ingredients are in this cherry tomato basil pasta?
- How to make pasta with cherry tomatoes (step-by-step)
- FAQ'S
- Tips for making the best pasta with cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic
- Recipe variations
- What to serve with this cherry tomato pasta recipe
- How to store this cherry tomato pasta
- Some other pasta recipes to enjoy:
- Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe
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!
Why You’ll Love This Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
- Just a handful of ingredients- This pasta with tomatoes comes together with ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Simple to modify- You could add even chunks of tofu, and if you want an umami kick, some sun-dried tomatoes. Roasted red bell peppers would also be delicious with this pasta recipe. Add fresh thyme or Italian parsley if you don’t have fresh basil.
- Just one pot- You will only be dirtying up one pot to cook the pasta in. And you only need a serving bowl to mix all the ingredients together. Easy clean up!
What are the benefits of cherry tomatoes?
- First and foremost, they're packed with vitamin C, which does wonders for your skin, giving it that radiant glow we all yearn for.
- Secondly, these little red gems are low calorie and high fiber. They're the perfect guilt-free snack, which is a blessing when you're trying to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
- Last, but certainly not least, cherry tomatoes are heart-healthy. They're rich in potassium, which helps control blood pressure. So, not only do they make our pasta dishes delightfully vibrant and tangy, they do a whole lot of good for our bodies too!
What ingredients are in this cherry tomato basil pasta?
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.
FAQ'S
For 1 pound of pasta, in 3-4 quarts of water, you should add 1-1/2 tablespoons of salt. So if it's 1/2 pound of pasta, add 1/2 that amount of salt. Add more or less to your taste, but keep in mind, the tomatoes will have a little salt. So depends on your taste.
Yes, you can! Use whatever is your favorite short gluten-free pasta brand.
Yes, if you would like to have leftovers to enjoy during the week, just double the recipe.
Yes, you could enjoy this pasta cold. You could make it ahead of time, store in the fridge, and eat it the next day. But I typically make it and serve it as soon as pasta is cooked, so it’s still a bit warm.
The longer the pasta is stored in the fridge, the more time it has for the flavors to marinade together. So either way is perfect!
Grape tomatoes and cherry tomatoes might appear similar, but they're actually quite distinct. Grape tomatoes are smaller, oval-shaped, and have a thicker skin, lending a bit more crunch. Their flavor is sweet, yet quite robust. Cherry tomatoes, on the other hand, are round and slightly larger with a thinner, softer skin.They offer a bright, juicy flavor that's a bit sweeter than grape tomatoes, which is what makes them a superstar in our pasta dish.
As for the pasta, the choice can vary depending on your personal preference. Spaghetti is a classic choice for this dish, its long, thin strands are perfect for light sauces. Penne, with its tube-like shape, is great for chunky sauces as it allows for the flavorsome juice from the tomatoes to get trapped inside.
Cherry tomatoes can be stored at room temperature for 3-5 days and in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks if stored properly. Store in a breathable container away from moisture to keep them fresh. If you want to save them for even longer, freeze cherry tomatoes for up to several months by washing, drying, placing them out on a tray, and putting them in the freezer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
Cherry tomatoes are an excellent choice for pasta sauce due to their natural sweetness and juicy texture. They can be used whole or halved to create a fresh and flavorful sauce, adding a burst of color and taste to your pasta dishes.
With an abundance of cherry tomatoes, you can make fresh salads, roast them for a flavorful side dish, or create homemade salsa. They are also perfect for making sauces, canning, or using as a topping for pizzas and bruschetta.
For pasta sauce, plum tomatoes like Roma or San Marzano are often preferred because of their low moisture content and rich flavor. However, cherry tomatoes can also be used for a sweeter and lighter sauce.
Tips for making the best pasta with cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic
PASTA-I recommend penne pasta or whatever short pasta you have on hand or enjoy. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box (each brand could vary slightly in cooking time), but make sure it's al dente.
SALT-Don't forget to salt the pasta water (I mention above how much salt to use).
TOMATOES-Cherry tomatoes are ideal for this recipe. But feel free to use any sort of ripe tomatoes you have on hand. If you use a large tomato, you may need to drain some of the liquid (the cherry tomatoes are ideal, as they are not watery at all).
OLIVE OIL-As I already mentioned, I recommend a very good quality extra-virgin olive oil. You don't need a lot for the recipe, and the flavor will be even better!
Recipe variations
This pasta recipe is wonderful and simple as it is. If you wanted to add a little variety to the pasta, here are some ideas.
- In place of the fresh basil, sub in spinach, arugula, fresh parsley, or fresh thyme
- Add in your very vegan cheeses (feta, mozzarella or the vegan parmesan). If you’re not vegan/dairy-free, use your favorite dairy cheeses.
- For a salty umami kick, add in capers or olives.
- For some protein, add in cubed tofu (chunks of grilled chicken or tuna if you’re not vegan).
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.
How to store this cherry tomato pasta
As soon as the pasta cools down, place it in an airtight container (or even a large zipped lock freezer bag) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this pasta recipe.
Perfect for a quick early weeknight meal, this pasta is full of fresh flavor and is as easy to make as it is to eat. The sauce is simple, using fresh cherry tomatoes and basil, but you can add in a protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, and the dish even reheats well, so you can have leftovers to take for lunch all week! Here is the recipe. I hope you enjoy this pasta and if you have any questions, please leave them in the comment box below.
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 1/2 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
- PASTA: I used penne pasta, but you could use rigatoni, farfalle, or whatever other short pasta you like.
- STORAGE: The pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This pasta recipe does not freeze well.
Anne says
Just love this recipe! It's so easy to make. Even the kids love it!
Lora says
hi Anne-So happy you enjoy this vegan cherry tomato pasta recipe! Thanks for letting us know!