Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

If you’re anything like me and crave meals that come together quickly but don’t skimp on flavor, this Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe is going to become your new weeknight hero. I absolutely love how this sauce blends the sweetness of blistered cherry tomatoes with the fresh brightness of basil and the depth from garlic and olive oil—all while being ready in under 30 minutes. It’s that perfect kind of comforting pasta that doesn’t feel rushed or thrown together.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the cherry tomatoes almost caramelize and burst, transforming simple ingredients into a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully. You’ll find that it’s brilliant for busy evenings, last-minute guests, or whenever you just need a fast but satisfying dinner that feels homemade and fresh. Plus, it’s so adaptable, you can dress it up or keep it minimal, depending on your mood and pantry.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe lies in using ingredients that are simple but carefully combined to create a sauce that’s both fresh and deeply flavorful. Here are the essentials, plus tips for picking the best each time you shop.

• Dry Pasta: I recommend using spaghetti or linguine, but any long pasta works; choose your favorite shape for the best bite.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water to enhance every strand’s flavor.
• Garlic: Thinly sliced cloves add a mellow punch; I like to avoid minced here because slices infuse the oil without overpowering.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use good quality for the best flavor—it’s the backbone of the sauce’s richness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: The star of the show! Look for ripe, firm tomatoes with vibrant color for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
• Fresh Basil: Roughly chopped for that herbaceous lift; I always add it right at the end to keep the flavor bright.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right bit of spice to balance the sweetness.
• Parmesan Cheese: For finishing—choose a good quality aged Parmesan and grate it fresh for the best melting and flavor.

Variations

One of the best things about this Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe is its flexibility—you can tweak it depending on what you have or how you feel. I like to mix things up sometimes, so here are a few ways I’ve made it my own.

• Add Protein: I often toss in cooked shrimp or sautéed chicken strips to turn it into a more substantial dish for dinner.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Sometimes I throw in a few dollops of fresh ricotta or mozzarella for a creamier texture that my family adores.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic makes it a little fiery and extra satisfying, especially on chillier nights.
• Make it Vegan: Simply skip the Parmesan or swap it with a vegan cheese alternative—you’ll still get loads of flavor from the tomatoes and basil.
• Seasonal Swap: In winter, I swap cherry tomatoes for canned San Marzano tomatoes (drained and pressed dry) and cook them down similarly for a different but still rich sauce.

How to Make Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Start with Perfectly Cooked Pasta

Place your dry pasta directly into a large skillet or deep sauté pan—yes, right in the pan where you’ll make the sauce! Cover it with plenty of water and a good pinch of kosher salt, then crank the heat until it boils. The trick here is to cook the pasta about one minute less than the package says—it should be just shy of al dente. This way, it finishes cooking as it soaks up the sauce later, preventing mushiness. Stir it now and then to keep the noodles from sticking.

Step 2: Build Your Sauce with Garlic and Tomatoes

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and gently cook the thinly sliced garlic over medium heat. Watch closely and stir often—the goal is softened, fragrant garlic without a hint of browning, which would turn bitter, so about 3 minutes is perfect. Then add those gorgeous cherry tomatoes. Stir and let them blister, burst, and release their juices. I like to press a few down with the back of a wooden spoon to help create that luscious sauce consistency. This usually takes around 10 minutes—you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks thick, juicy, and glossy.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce with Basil and Seasoning

Keep cooking the tomato sauce for about 5 more minutes until it turns rich and creamy—this slow thickening step is what makes the sauce irresistible. Toss in the fresh basil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The basil adds a brightness that lifts the whole dish, so don’t skip it. Give everything a good stir and get ready to marry it with the pasta.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce for the Perfect Finish

Drain the pasta, but be sure to save about a cup of the pasta cooking water—that starchy goodness helps the sauce cling to the noodles perfectly. Add the pasta back into the skillet with the sauce, turn the heat to medium-high, and toss constantly. Pour in small splashes of the reserved cooking water as needed to get a silky, creamy consistency that isn’t dry or gloopy. Once everything’s looking glossy and coated, remove from heat and drizzle in the remaining olive oil. Finish with a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Pass extra cheese at the table—trust me, it disappears fast!

How to Serve Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple here with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves on top for color and extra fragrance. Sometimes I add a drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes if I’m feeling a little adventurous. These small touches really take the dish from everyday to elevated without extra fuss.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some warm crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of tomato sauce. For something heartier, I like a simple roasted vegetable like asparagus or broccoli on the side—it adds freshness without competing with the pasta’s flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special gathering, I’ve served this pasta plated in shallow bowls with a little extra basil chiffonade sprinkled on top and a lemon wedge for brightness on the side. A rustic wooden board with bread, olives, and a glass of chilled white wine turns it into an easy, elegant Italian-inspired feast. It never fails to impress while staying approachable and fresh.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover pasta and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because the sauce is quite fresh, it tastes best if you reheat gently and quickly to avoid drying out or turning the tomatoes mushy.

Freezing

I haven’t frozen this recipe often because the fresh basil and texture of the blistered tomatoes change a bit, but if you want to, freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for better results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, toss the pasta and sauce in a warm skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through but still glossy and fresh-looking—avoid the microwave as it can make the pasta sticky and unevenly heated.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen, especially when time is tight but I want to serve something flavorful and comforting. It strikes that perfect balance of fresh, bright, and hearty—all with minimal fuss. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do; it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, every time.

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