Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

Alright, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share the ultimate secret to weeknight bliss: a Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta that’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the taste buds. If your love language is carbs and cheese (because, let’s be real, whose isn’t?), this simple yet delightful dish is about to become your new best friend. Prepare to have your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic and basil as we transform humble cherry tomatoes into a luscious sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti. Let’s dive in, shall we? 🍝✨

I love how the potent flavors in this Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta come together. With juicy halved cherry tomatoes and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes, this dish takes simple, fresh ingredients to the next level.

I think the addition of basil and freshly grated Parmesan really bolts the flavor up to where it ought to be. And the best part?

This dish comes together in no time at all—perfect for a weekday dinner.

Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Spaghetti: A source of carbohydrates, provides energy and satiety.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats, rich in antioxidants, enhances pasta flavor.
• Garlic: Antioxidant-rich, boosts immune health, adds aromatic savoriness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: High in vitamin C, adds sweetness and acidity.
• Basil: Fragrant herb, contains vitamin K, adds fresh earthy flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich in protein and calcium, adds savory depth.
• Lemon: High in vitamin C, adds zest and refreshing acidity.

Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 ounces of spaghetti or pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced (optional)

How to Make this Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

1. Place a big pot of water with salt on to boil. When it is at a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and cook until nearly done according to package directions (if they vary, go with the one that says to cook the pasta for the least amount of time). Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain the pasta.

2. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil over moderate heat. Put in the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) and sauté until the garlic’s smell is all over the kitchen, and it has turned a nice, golden brown—a little more than 1 minute.

3. Place the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This will be the base for your salsa. Cook your salsa, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s done when the tomatoes have burst open and released their juices – about 5 to 7 minutes.

4. Put the water from the reserved pasta in with the skillet, and then bring the whole thing to a simmer. Let it go for a couple of minutes, until it thickens just a bit.

5. Put the pasta inside the pan and mix it, so it’s enveloped by the tomato sauce.

6. Mix in the shredded basil and the butter (if using), allowing them to dissolve into the sauce.

7. Combine the lemon rind and juice (if using) with the rest of the ingredients for a bright, fresh flavor.

8. Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and toss until melted and incorporated.

9. Add more salt and pepper as necessary, to taste.

10. Present the Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta right away, sprinkled with more of the same cheese and fresh basil leaves, if you prefer that sort of thing. Enjoy!

Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Large frying pan or skillet
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Colander
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Chef’s knife
8. Cutting board
9. Lemon zester or grater (if using lemon zest)
10. Tongs
11. Cheese grater

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?You can use a different pasta if you like, such as linguine, fettuccine, or a gluten-free spaghetti alternative.
• Q: How do I make the dish vegetarian-friendly?The dish is vegetarian as it is. To make it vegan, just leave out the Parmesan or use a non-dairy alternative.
• Q: What can I use instead of cherry tomatoes?A: Any small and sweet tomato, like grape tomatoes, can easily take the place of the tomatoes in this recipe.
• Q: Is the red pepper flakes necessary?The optional red pepper flakes lend a bit of heat to the dish. If you prefer your meal on the milder side, then you can easily leave them out.
• Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?A: You can serve this dish fresh, but it is okay to make the sauce ahead of time and heat it up before mixing it with the pasta that you cooked right before serving.
• Q: How can I make it more filling?A: For extra protein and heft, you can add chopped, cooked chicken; shrimp; or sautéed mushrooms to the dish.

Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the noodle: You can use whole wheat spaghetti, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
To replace olive oil: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
To prepare the garlic: Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic paste.
For the cherry tomatoes: Substitute grape tomatoes; or use canned diced tomatoes, drained.
For the cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

Pro Tips

1. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Undercook the pasta by about 1-2 minutes compared to the package instructions. It will continue cooking in the sauce, absorbing flavors without becoming mushy.