This Cherry Tomato Pasta is packed with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic, and Parm for an straightforward dinner everyone loves!
Author’s Notes
Where My Tomato Obsession Began
My parents were big gardeners when I was growing up, and their specialties were tomatoes and zucchini. As a kid, I loved when my mom turned all that zucchini into her famous bread, muffins, or pasta.
But the garden tomatoes? Nothing beat those for me, especially the cherry and grape tomatoes, which were always a reliable. My mom would roast them until soft and jammy, then spread them over toasted sourdough. Even now, it’s still one of my favorite snacks or light lunches.
When I want to turn really good cherry tomatoes into a full meal though, this cherry tomato pasta is always my first choice. It’s quick, straightforward, and truly blow-your-mind good. Not in the heavy, loaded-with-cream-and-cheese kind of way, but in that fresh, light, “wow, this is incredible and I’m not going to feel sick afterward” kind of way. Haha!
Cherry Tomato Pasta Ingredients
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Cherry & yellow tomatoes | Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor. Halve them so they soften and become jammy. |
| Olive oil, red onion & garlic | Use the best possible olive oil and finely dice the onion (as small as possible!) so it melts into the sauce. |
| Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt & pepper | Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat, then season the finished pasta to taste. |
| Balsamic vinegar & honey | Balsamic and honey balance this cherry tomato pasta. Add extra honey if the tomatoes are tart. |
| Bucatini, fresh basil & Parmesan | Reserve pasta water before draining (it’s essential for the sauce!), ribbon the basil, and grate Parmesan fresh for serving. |
the cook’s Notes
Tips for the Best Cherry Tomato Pasta
- Let the tomatoes sit briefly: Give them time without stirring so they can blister and develop deeper flavor.
- Don’t rinse the pasta: The starch helps the sauce cling to it nicely.
- Toss thoroughly: Use tongs to toss the pasta vigorously with the sauce and pasta water until everything looks silky and well combined.
What to Serve With Cherry Tomato Pasta
- Garlic breador focaccia for soaking up the extra sauce
- A simple garden salad with a light dressing
- Grilled or baked chicken for an straightforward protein boost
- Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
- a reliable caprese salad with quinoa
Storage
Like most pasta dishes, this cherry tomato pasta is best straight off the stovetop. Call everyone to the table while you drain the pasta, then toss and serve while it is hot!
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