This Easy Pasta Recipe with Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes is a delicious and versatile dish that makes great use of all those cherry tomatoes you planted! Sauteed cherry tomato pasta is a dish in which cherry tomatoes are cooked quickly in a hot pan with olive oil, fresh garlic, and other seasonings before being tossed with pasta. It can be ready and on the table, in minutes with ingredients you probably have on hand.
Summer is the prime time to find sweet, juicy, vine-ripened cherry tomatoes from the grocery store, farmer's markets, or your own backyard.
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INGREDIENTS FOR EASY PASTA RECIPE WITH SAUTEED CHERRY TOMATOES
All of the ingredients for making my Easy Pasta Recipe with Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes are readily available at your neighborhood grocery store or farmers' market.
For the full recipe with quantities, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
MARY'S TWO CENTS
This recipe definitely falls into the CHEAP category, mostly due to the lack of a protein like beef, fish, or chicken. When purchased in season, tomatoes and basil are very budget-friendly. You can also grow tomatoes and basil at home for even greater savings.
Later on in the week take your savings and splurge on Ina's Baked Scallops Gratin Recipe With White Wine.
INGREDIENT NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS
Fresh Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are the best choice for this recipe. You can also use grape tomatoes or small whole tomatoes like Roma tomatoes. Larger tomatoes are not recommended for this recipe. They lack sweetness and the water ratio is different.
Balsamic Vinegar
Use good Balsamic vinegar for this flavorful sauce. If you don't have any, substitute white wine.
Basil
Fresh basil is very important for the success of this burst cherry tomato sauce. Fresh herbs and fresh garlic make all the difference.
Parmesan Cheese
Use finely grated Parmesan cheese so that it incorporates quickly into the pasta sauce.
WHAT'S TO LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE?
Here are some of the reasons I love this cherry tomato pasta recipe:
Cherry tomatoes are flavorful and fresh.
Cherry tomatoes have a vibrant and sweet taste, which adds a burst of freshness to the pasta dish. Cherry tomatoes are typically cooked briefly, allowing them to retain their bright color, firm texture, and natural sweetness, and take less time to cook!
Cherry tomato pasta is quick and easy to prepare.
Cherry tomato pasta is a simple and quick dish to make. The cherry tomatoes can be sautéed or roasted in a pan with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. The entire dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy individuals or those looking for a fuss-free meal.
Cherry tomato pasta is versatile.
This easy pasta dish can be customized to suit various dietary preferences and flavor profiles. You can add ingredients like fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley), grated Parmesan cheese, olives, capers, pine nuts, or even protein sources like grilled chicken or shrimp to enhance the flavor and texture.
Cherry tomato pasta is kid friendly.
The small size and sweet taste of cherry tomatoes often appeal to children. Introducing cherry tomato pasta to kids can be an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into their diet while still offering a familiar and enjoyable meal. Most kids love pasta too!
Cherry tomato pasta makes a colorful presentation.
Cherry tomato pasta provides a visually appealing presentation due to the vibrant red and yellow hues of the tomatoes. It is an attractive dish to serve at gatherings or events, adding a touch of elegance and freshness to the table.
STEP-by-STEP PHOTO INSTRUCTIONS
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5- 7 minutes.
When the tomatoes have softened and released the juices add the vinegar, & lemon zest. Season with salt & pepper.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine. Add a splash of pasta water if needed. Add the basil and Parmesan cheese and toss again.
Serve immediately with garlic bread.
EQUIPMENT
Large pot - for cooking the pasta
Large skillet - for making the cherry tomato sauce
Potato Masher - for crushing the tomatoes
STORAGE
This pasta with sweet cherry tomatoes is best served immediately, piping hot. It does not stand up well to freezing.
TOP TIPS
Save the starchy pasta water when draining the cooked pasta. You will need to add some to the skillet to loosen the sauce a bit. Add it before adding the Parmesan cheese and basil to the skillet.
Taste the tomatoes before adding the lemon zest, salt, and pepper. If they are too tart, add a large pinch of sugar to the skillet and stir to dissolve. Most cherry tomatoes are sweet enough, but off-season they might be a bit tart.
RECIPE FAQ's
Cherry tomatoes are relatively low in calories, making them a healthier choice than other sauces or heavy cream-based pasta dishes. This makes cherry tomato pasta an excellent option for those watching their calorie intake or aiming for weight management.
Cherry tomatoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are a great source of daily values of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and dietary fiber. These nutrients contribute to a healthy immune system, good vision, and overall well-being.
Cherry tomatoes contain high levels of antioxidants, such as lycopene and beta-carotene. These compounds have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers, supporting heart health, and promoting healthy skin
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Equipment
- Large pot for cooking the pasta
- Large skillet. for making the cherry tomato sauce
- Potato Masher - for crushing the tomatoes
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti angel hair pasta or penne
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 each garlic cloves
- Salt and black pepper to taste add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest zest of approx 1 lemon
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon Chives
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until a dente
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5- 7 minutes, or until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Add the vinegar and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss to combine, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add the chopped basil and parmesan cheese and toss again.
- Serve immediately.
Jerika says
This Easy Pasta Recipe with Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes is so perfect for me. YUM!:)