Are you ready for a simple, delicious, and comforting pasta dish? This Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta is packed with vibrant flavors and creamy goodness that will surely become your new favorite meal! The fresh basil, sweet cherry tomatoes, and rich Parmesan cheese come together in a mouthwatering sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is a true winner.
Let’s get started on this tasty recipe!
Method in Detail
Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a slight firmness when you bite into it. Be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking the pasta. Once it’s done, drain the pasta, but make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will be useful later to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, you can begin preparing the sauce. Heat the olive oil (or unsalted butter, if you prefer) in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil or butter is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute, stirring occasionally, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
Add the Cherry Tomatoes
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir them around for about 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and begin to release their juices. As they cook, the tomatoes will break down slightly, creating a flavorful base for your sauce. You’ll notice the sweet, tangy aroma of the tomatoes as they blend with the garlic and oil.
Deglaze the Pan
To bring everything together and add a bit more depth to the flavor, pour in the white wine. As you pour, use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently scrape up any bits of garlic or tomato stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook for about 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly, which will help concentrate its flavors.
Make it Creamy
Now it’s time to add the creamy richness to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and tomato paste. Continue to stir occasionally, letting the sauce simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes. As it simmers, the sauce will thicken, turning into a smooth and creamy base. The tomato paste will help deepen the tomato flavor, while the cream adds that luscious texture.
Add the Flavor
To season the sauce, sprinkle in the chili flakes, black pepper, and kosher salt to taste. If you like a bit of spice, you can add more chili flakes; if not, feel free to reduce the amount. Stir in the fresh basil and oregano (if you’re using it), allowing the herbs to infuse their flavors into the sauce. This is where the fragrance of the fresh basil will really start to shine!
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a spoon to toss the pasta, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated in the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and make the sauce more silky. Keep tossing until everything is evenly mixed.
Serve
Divide the pasta into serving bowls, ensuring each one gets a generous amount of the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Add mozzarella pearls (about 5 per serving) to each bowl for that extra creamy touch. Finish off the dish with a few extra chili flakes, a drizzle of olive oil or basil oil, and you’re ready to serve!
Necessary Tools
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Large skillet or pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Grater (for Parmesan)
- Measuring spoons and cups
Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
1/2 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite kind)
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (reserve some for serving)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup white wine
1 teaspoon chili flakes (reduce if preferred less spicy)
2 teaspoons black pepper
Kosher salt, to taste
4 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh oregano (optional)
For Serving:
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Mozzarella pearls (about 5 per serving)
Additional chili flakes, to taste
Drizzle of olive oil or basil oil
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and tomato paste. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- Add the Flavor: Season with chili flakes, black pepper, and salt to taste. Toss in the fresh basil and oregano (if using).
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Garnish with fresh parsley, mozzarella pearls, a few extra chili flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil or basil oil.
Notes
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Be sure not to overcook the pasta! It’s important to cook it al dente (firm to the bite) so it holds its texture when mixed with the creamy sauce.
- Chili Flakes: If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce the chili flakes or omit them altogether. The pasta will still be flavorful without the heat.
- Cream Sauce: Keep an eye on the cream as it simmers if the sauce thickens too much, you can always add a little pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Cheese: For the best flavor, don’t skip the fresh Parmesan. It adds a lovely richness to the sauce that brings all the ingredients together.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the creamy pasta.
- For a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables on top.
- A chilled glass of white wine pairs perfectly with this creamy, zesty pasta dish.
Fun Fact
Did you know that cherry tomatoes are one of the sweetest types of tomatoes? They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making them a healthy choice to add to your meals. Plus, their vibrant color adds a beautiful pop to any dish!
Conclusion
This Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta is a perfect balance of fresh and creamy, with the vibrant flavors of tomatoes and herbs shining through in every bite. It’s quick, easy, and full of deliciousness, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy every mouthful!
