I absolutely love this Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly fancy but comes together in under 20 minutes. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how perfectly the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes blends with fragrant basil and nutty Parmesan. It’s a recipe that works beautifully for busy weeknights yet can easily impress when guests pop over unexpectedly.
You’ll find that this pasta is bright, fresh, and so satisfying without being heavy. The great thing is that it uses simple pantry staples and seasonal produce, making it easy and rewarding to whip up at any time of year. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe consistently delivers a delectable, no-fuss meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
- Bursting with Freshness: The fresh cherry tomatoes and basil create a vibrant, summery taste.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and garden-fresh herbs, keeping your shopping list short.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish every time I make it, and I’m confident yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference here. Fresh cherry tomatoes are naturally sweet and juicy, making the sauce vibrant and full of natural flavor, while fresh basil adds that perfect aromatic note. Quality Parmesan cheese really rounds out the dish, providing depth with its savory tang.
- Spaghetti: Go for good-quality dried spaghetti — it holds sauce well and cooks evenly.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and richness.
- Cherry tomatoes: Pick ripe, bright-colored tomatoes for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a punch — remember to mince finely.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning; balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Crushed red pepper: Adds a hint of heat; adjust to taste to keep things just right.
- Fresh basil: Use plenty! It’s the herbaceous star that lifts the whole dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, because pre-grated will never taste as good.
Variations
I love how flexible this Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe is — it’s easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or what mood you’re in. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
- Add protein: I sometimes toss in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it a heartier meal for dinner guests.
- Vegan option: Skip the Parmesan and sprinkle with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a delicious dairy-free version.
- Extra veggies: I’ve had great success adding roasted zucchini or wilted spinach to bulk it up and sneak in some greens.
- Spicy kick: If you like heat, stir in a dash more crushed red pepper or fresh chopped chili for a fiery twist.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil — this is key for flavorful pasta. Cook your spaghetti just until al dente, usually a minute or two less than the package suggests for that perfect bite. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining — that starchy liquid is gold for adjusting your sauce later without watering it down.
Step 2: Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes to Perfection
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet, then add the cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to burst — about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens: the tomatoes release their natural juices, creating the base of a luscious sauce. Next, add the minced garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper, cooking just until fragrant, around 1 minute. Use the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the tomatoes, encouraging more juices to develop without turning it into a puree.
Step 3: Bring It All Together with Basil and Parmesan
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with your tomato sauce. Toss in chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, then stir everything gently to combine. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water — you want just enough to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to every strand of spaghetti. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with more basil and Parmesan for that extra wow factor.
Pro Tips for Making Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is a secret weapon for silky sauce — don’t skip it!
- Don’t Overcook Garlic: Add it after tomatoes soften to avoid bitterness and keep that sweet garlic aroma.
- Use Fresh Basil Generously: Adding basil at the last moment keeps it bright and flavorful.
- Mash Tomatoes Gently: Press just enough to release juices but keep some texture for a rustic feel.
How to Serve Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
I often finish this pasta with a few fresh basil leaves torn on top and an extra shower of grated Parmesan. Sometimes I drizzle a tiny bit of good-quality olive oil just before serving — it adds a lovely sheen and richness. If you’re feeling fancy, a twist of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of lemon zest brightens things up beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. I also like serving it alongside toasted garlic bread for dipping into the sauce — it’s always a hit with my family and friends! Roasted vegetables or a light antipasto platter work well for a fuller meal too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve plated this recipe in shallow bowls and topped it with a sprig of basil and Parmesan shards for an elegant look. You could even serve it in individual small cast-iron skillets or mini cocottes for a rustic Italian vibe. Adding edible flowers like viola petals can make your dish look like a masterpiece if you want to impress guests visually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When doing this, I usually keep the sauce and pasta mixed together so the flavors meld, but if you want to preserve texture, keep them separate. Adding a drizzle of olive oil before storing helps prevent sticking.
Freezing
Freezing this pasta isn’t my go-to because the fresh basil and delicate tomato sauce can lose their vibrant texture and flavor. That said, if you decide to freeze leftovers, I recommend freezing without the basil and Parmesan, then freshening it up after reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving directly without moisture as the noodles can become tough. After reheating, stir in fresh basil and a bit more Parmesan to revive the bright flavors.
FAQs
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Can I use cherry tomato pasta with other pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, you can use any pasta you like—penne, linguine, or even fusilli work perfectly. Just keep an eye on cooking times to make sure you get that ideal al dente texture.
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How do I keep the basil from turning brown?
Add fresh basil at the very end of cooking or right before serving. This preserves its bright color and fresh flavor, preventing it from wilting or browning during heat exposure.
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What if I don’t have crushed red pepper?
You can substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to achieve that slight kick. If you prefer it mild, just leave it out entirely.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out traditional spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times to make sure you get the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe has become a personal favorite because it’s reliable, delicious, and makes me feel a little like I’m dining in Italy every time I cook it. I love sharing it with friends and family because it’s forgiving yet sophisticated, and always earns compliments. Give it a try next time you want a quick, fresh, and utterly comforting pasta dish—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This simple yet flavorful Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes recipe combines al dente spaghetti with a vibrant sauce made from fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a perfect balance of freshness and richness, making it a quick and delightful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente following the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Mash the Tomatoes: Using the back of a spoon or a potato masher, carefully mash the tomatoes to release their juices. Continue cooking and stirring until the tomatoes burst and form a sauce, about 5 more minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust crushed red pepper quantity to your preferred heat level.
- This recipe works well with other pasta shapes if spaghetti is not available.
- For a vegan option, omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
