This Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce brings out the best in fresh ingredients, with juicy cherry tomatoes and aromatic herbs coming together to create a light yet flavorful sauce. The rich, red sauce coats the pasta perfectly, making each bite bursting with vibrant flavors.
It’s a simple, comforting dish that can be enjoyed any time of the week, whether for a casual family dinner or a quick meal when you’re short on time. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite pasta or toppings, such as a sprinkle of parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil. It’s one of those dishes that never goes out of style!
Full Recipe:
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1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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1 lb pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
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Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and juicy.
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Stir in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce, adding pasta water as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.
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Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, and grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Prep Time:Â 10 minutes |Â Cooking Time:Â 15 minutes |Â Total Time:Â 25 minutes
Kcal:Â 250 kcal |Â Servings:Â 4 servings
The Appeal of Cherry Tomatoes in Cooking
Cherry tomatoes are not just a cute addition to your plate; they are a powerhouse of flavor. Their bright, juicy, and sweet taste gives a refreshing twist to any dish they’re added to, making them a popular choice in salads, pastas, and sauces. When you cook with cherry tomatoes, you get a sauce that is both fresh and comforting. Unlike larger tomatoes, which can have a sometimes more acidic taste, cherry tomatoes provide a naturally sweeter and milder flavor. This makes them the perfect base for a pasta sauce that can quickly become your new go-to. With this cherry tomato pasta sauce, you get the best of both worlds – rich flavor in a simple and quick recipe that is easy to prepare. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner, this sauce is your perfect companion to pasta, offering not only a hearty meal but one that’s packed with natural goodness.
A Quick Yet Flavorful Sauce
If you’re someone who loves the taste of a slow-cooked tomato sauce but doesn’t have the luxury of time to let it simmer for hours, then this cherry tomato pasta sauce is for you. This recipe manages to capture that deep, slow-cooked flavor but without the lengthy cooking time. Thanks to the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, it creates a rich and flavorful sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Using a mix of both fresh cherry tomatoes and canned petite diced tomatoes enhances the flavor profile of the sauce, giving it layers of freshness and depth.
This sauce can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks looking for a flavorful yet easy dish. The butter and garlic give the sauce a savory richness, while the tomatoes provide a juicy burst of sweetness. Add in some cornstarch to help thicken the sauce, and you’ve got a perfect, smooth pasta sauce ready to coat your pasta.
How to Customize Your Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
One of the best things about this cherry tomato pasta sauce is how versatile it is. While the recipe calls for specific ingredients, you can easily modify it based on what you have in your pantry or personal preferences. For example, if you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Alternatively, adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of brown sugar can help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the sauce a slightly sweet undertone.
This sauce can be served with virtually any type of pasta. From classic spaghetti to penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine, the possibilities are endless. The texture of the sauce works beautifully with different types of pasta shapes, and it’s the perfect way to add flavor to simple pasta dishes. Moreover, you can choose to top it with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to add some color and fragrance to the dish. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese is also a welcome addition, offering that signature savory flavor to complement the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions for Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Though this cherry tomato pasta sauce shines as the star of a simple pasta dish, it pairs well with many sides to elevate your meal. Serve it with a side of garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce or prepare a crisp Caesar salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal. The fresh and aromatic flavors of the sauce make it a great pairing with other Italian dishes such as bruschetta, fried calamari, or even a hearty bowl of minestrone soup.
For a more decadent meal, consider tossing the sauce with sautéed vegetables or grilled chicken, making the dish even more satisfying and complete. If you’re in the mood for a vegetarian option, simply add some roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers to the pasta for a filling yet healthy meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry – this sauce stores incredibly well. Simply place the sauce in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options: either heat it in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave or transfer it to a pot and warm it over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even reheating. For best results, when reheating pasta with sauce, add a splash of water or additional olive oil to ensure the sauce retains its smooth consistency.
While it’s not recommended to freeze this sauce due to the texture of the pasta, you can freeze the sauce on its own. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Health Benefits of Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Besides being absolutely delicious, cherry tomatoes come with a variety of health benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C and vitamin A, which help boost your immune system and promote healthy skin. Cherry tomatoes are also rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancers and heart disease.
Additionally, this pasta sauce can be made with healthy fats, such as olive oil or butter, which provide good sources of monounsaturated fats that are essential for heart health. The cornstarch used to thicken the sauce is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, this cherry tomato pasta sauce is the epitome of a quick, easy, and delicious meal. With the burst of flavor from the fresh cherry tomatoes and the simplicity of ingredients, it’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal. Not only does it come together in a flash, but it also offers endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, pairing it with garlic bread, or turning it into a more complex meal with additional proteins and vegetables, this sauce is versatile, flavorful, and bound to please everyone at the table.
This is one of those recipes that will make you wonder why you ever bought store-bought pasta sauce. Once you taste the richness of this homemade cherry tomato pasta sauce, you’ll be hooked – and it may just become your new favorite way to enjoy pasta.