Description

This Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Fresh cherry tomatoes are gently cooked with garlic, olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes until they burst and create a luscious, fresh sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

12 oz. uncooked pasta

For the Sauce

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes
½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1½ tsp. kosher salt
1 oz. fresh grated Parmesan (about ⅓ cup, plus more for serving)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Infuse the Olive Oil: Heat a medium saucepan over low heat and add the olive oil and smashed garlic cloves. Allow the garlic to gently infuse the oil until fragrant and soft, but be careful not to let the garlic brown, which can cause bitterness.
Add Tomatoes and Spices: Once the garlic is fragrant, add the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Increase the heat to medium and stir everything together to combine.
Simmer and Burst Tomatoes: Cook the tomatoes, stirring frequently. They will start to burst, releasing their juices and creating a fresh sauce. Use the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to gently crush some of the tomatoes, breaking them down as they cook. Continue simmering for about 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Assemble the Dish: Pour the tomato sauce over the cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir again, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce. Finally, stir in the fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Notes

Use cherry tomatoes at peak freshness for the best flavor.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
This dish pairs well with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.