Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

This simple yet flavorful dish combines al dente pasta with sweet cherry tomatoes and aromatic fresh basil, creating a light and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. With its minimal ingredients and quick preparation, it is an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find.

• Quick preparation—ready in less than 30 minutes.

• A light yet satisfying dish that is perfect for warm weather.

• Vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable.

• Minimal cleanup required.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your preferred type)

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Fresh basil leaves, torn

• Olive oil

• Garlic, minced

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative

directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining.

2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until they soften and release their juices.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the tomato sauce.

6. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.

7. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.

• Stir in a handful of baby spinach or arugula for added greens.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.

• Swap cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may affect texture.

FAQs

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Toss the drained pasta with a small amount of olive oil if you are not adding it to the sauce immediately.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil provides the best flavor, but you can use dried basil in smaller amounts if necessary.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Long pasta such as spaghetti or linguine works well, but short pasta like penne or fusilli also complements the sauce.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Is it necessary to peel the cherry tomatoes?

No, the skins are tender and add texture to the dish.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added for variety.

How do I enhance the flavor further?

A splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar can help balance acidity in the tomatoes.

Can I use canned cherry tomatoes?

Fresh is best for texture, but canned cherry tomatoes work in a pinch.

How do I stop the basil from turning black?

Add the basil at the very end of cooking and avoid overexposure to heat.

Conclusion

Pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil is a perfect example of how a few fresh ingredients can create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this dish makes an excellent choice for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend dining

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