I absolutely love sharing this Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels impressively gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the simple act of blistering cherry tomatoes unlocked such a rich, comforting sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. It’s the kind of recipe you reach for when you want something fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free on busy weeknights.
You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a small crowd. The burst tomatoes make the sauce burst with natural sweetness and a little tang, and adding fresh basil and garlic rounds it out just right. It’s worth trying because you’ll get to enjoy a vibrant, homemade Italian-inspired meal without needing tons of ingredients or time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: You get an incredible tomato sauce ready in just about 25 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Fresh Ingredients: The blistered cherry tomatoes and fresh basil create a vibrant, fresh flavor that feels homemade.
- Minimal Ingredients: Requires just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, making it super accessible.
- Versatile and Comforting: It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and balances lightness with richness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients are straightforward, letting the fresh flavors shine. When shopping, pick ripe, firm cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for the best results.
- Dry Pasta: Choose your favorite shape; spaghetti or penne work great here for catching the sauce.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce properly.
- Garlic: Thinly sliced for gentle flavor infusion without overpowering the sauce.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Divided use; some for softening garlic, some stirred in at the end for richness.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These are the star; their sweetness and juicy bursts create the sauce base.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Roughly chopped to brighten and bring aromatic freshness.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For just the right touch of heat and seasoning.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated on top to add umami depth and creaminess.
Variations
This Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe is a wonderful canvas for your own tweaks. I often play around with adding extra heat or swapping herbs based on seasonality, and you should too!
- Add Spice: One time, I added a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking garlic, and it gave the sauce a lovely kick that my family adored.
- Use Different Herbs: Fresh thyme or oregano can be a great alternative if basil isn’t on hand—just sprinkle them in towards the end.
- Include Protein: Sometimes, I toss in cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a more filling meal without changing the sauce.
- Make it Vegan: Skip the Parmesan and add nutritional yeast or a drizzle of good olive oil to keep it creamy and flavorful.
How to Make Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Blister the Cherry Tomatoes with Garlic
Start by heating 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced garlic and gently cook it for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened—be careful not to let it brown, or the flavor can turn bitter. Then, add your cherry tomatoes and cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see their skins start to blister and burst, releasing a gorgeous, saucy sweetness. I like to press on some tomatoes gently with the back of a wooden spoon to encourage them to break down without mashing everything up.
Step 2: Cook Pasta and Finish the Sauce
While your sauce simmers, put your pasta in a large skillet or pot, cover it with water, pinch in plenty of kosher salt, and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente — usually about 1 minute less than what the package suggests. Drain the pasta, but save a cup of that starchy pasta water. Toss the pasta into the skillet with the blistered tomato sauce, increase the heat to medium-high, and start stirring and tossing constantly. Add reserved pasta water bit by bit until the sauce coats pasta wonderfully with a creamy, silky texture. Remove from heat, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and grate a generous amount of Parmesan cheese on top. Serve right away, passing extra cheese at the table — because more Parmesan is always better!
Pro Tips for Making Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Garlic: Softer is better here—watch it closely to avoid browning, it’s subtle but makes a big flavor difference.
- Reserve Pasta Water: It’s magic for adjusting sauce consistency, creating that silky, clingy texture the sauce needs.
- Fresh Basil Timing: Add basil right at the end to keep its flavor bright and fresh rather than cooked out.
- Use Quality Olive Oil: A really nice extra-virgin olive oil can elevate this simple sauce hugely—don’t skip it!
How to Serve Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this pasta with an extra shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves for color and fresh taste. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes if the mood strikes. It’s those little finishing touches that keep it feeling special and restaurant-worthy at home.
Side Dishes
On busy nights, I usually pair this pasta with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up all the extra tomato sauce. Roasted vegetables or a light antipasto platter also make excellent companions without weighing the meal down.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve had guests over, I like to serve the pasta family-style in a big rustic bowl sprinkled with fresh herbs and Parmesan. Sometimes, I add a few edible flowers or microgreens on top for that extra wow factor. It’s simple but looks stunning when everyone digs in together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pasta with the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because the sauce is so fresh, you’ll notice it tastes best when reheated gently rather than sitting too long—so I always try to enjoy it sooner rather than later.
Freezing
I generally don’t freeze this pasta because the fresh tomatoes and basil are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze the sauce alone (before adding pasta), that works well. Just thaw and reheat gently, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it feels dry. Microwave works fine too, but stirring halfway through helps avoid drying out. The sauce stays creamy and delicious when treated gently.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of tomatoes for the sauce?
While cherry tomatoes work best for their natural sweetness and quick blistering, you can substitute grape tomatoes or even small plum tomatoes sliced in half. Just keep in mind that larger tomatoes may take longer to cook down and might not create the same burst of flavor.
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Is it necessary to save pasta water for this recipe?
Absolutely! The starchy pasta water is key for loosening the sauce and creating that silky, creamy finish that clings beautifully to the pasta strands. Just add it gradually while stirring until you get your desired sauce consistency.
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Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the blistered cherry tomato sauce a few hours ahead and reheat it gently before mixing with pasta. However, I recommend combining the pasta with sauce right before serving to keep the best texture and flavor.
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What pasta types work best with this sauce?
I love using spaghetti or penne because their shapes capture the sauce wonderfully, but other types like fusilli or linguine also work great. Choose what’s in your pantry or what you enjoy most.
Final Thoughts
This Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe has become a go-to for me when I want something delicious without the fuss. It’s approachable, bursting with fresh flavor, and never fails to feel satisfying. If you’re looking for a quick pasta dinner that delivers big on taste and comfort, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Fast and Easy Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring blistered cherry tomato sauce with garlic and fresh basil. This recipe uses simple ingredients and cooks everything in one skillet for a rich, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound (450 g) dry pasta
- Kosher salt, for pasta water
Sauce
- 4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons (90ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes (about 2 pints; 675g)
- 1 ounce fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (about 1 cup; 30 g)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta. Place the dry pasta in a large skillet or sauté pan and cover with water and a generous pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Boil until the pasta is just shy of al dente—about 1 minute less than the package instructions indicate.
- Prepare the Garlic and Olive Oil. While the pasta cooks, heat 4 tablespoons (60ml) of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is softened but not browned—this should take about 3 minutes.
- Cook the Cherry Tomatoes. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet with garlic. Stir and cook until the tomatoes start to burst and soften, approximately 10 minutes. Press gently on them with the back of a wooden spoon to help break them down.
- Simmer the Sauce. Continue cooking the sauce for about 5 more minutes until it becomes rich and creamy. Then stir in the roughly chopped fresh basil leaves and season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup (240ml) of the pasta water. Add the pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Turn the heat to medium-high and toss the pasta constantly with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Finish and Serve. Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil, and grate a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Serve immediately, offering extra Parmesan at the table.
Notes
- Pressing the tomatoes gently helps to release their juices and creates a creamy sauce texture without heavy cream.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency; its starch content helps the sauce cling well.
- Do not brown the garlic to avoid bitterness; cook it just until softened.
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for best flavor.
- This recipe serves well for 4 to 6 people depending on portion size.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/5 of recipe)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
