Description
A simple and flavorful Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a vibrant sauce made from fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and parmesan cheese. This quick stovetop dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal and can be optionally topped with creamy burrata for added richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Boiling
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 3 quarts water (12 cups or 3 Liters)
- 1 ½ tablespoons salt (21 grams)
Sauce
- 2 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 twists black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 15 fresh basil leaves (+ extra for garnishing)
Finishing
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (or non-dairy cheese; adjust to taste)
- 1 – 2 burrata balls (optional, for serving on top)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half while waiting for the water.
- Cook Pasta: When the water boils, add 1 ½ tablespoons salt and 12 ounces spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions minus 2 minutes to ensure pasta finishes cooking later in the sauce.
- Make Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 twists black pepper, pressed or grated garlic, and ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are softened and saucy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the skillet with the sauce along with about ½ cup of reserved pasta water and 15 fresh basil leaves. Toss and cook for a couple of minutes until the pasta is al dente and coated in the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Finish with Cheese: Turn off the heat, add ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, topping with extra fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and optionally, 1 to 2 burrata balls for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Burrata adds a rich texture but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Use non-dairy cheese to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Cherry Tomato Pasta, Spaghetti, Easy Pasta Recipes, Italian Pasta, Fresh Tomato Sauce, Quick Dinner
