This Easy Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta is the perfect quick meal! With sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, it brings summer flavors to your table in no time.
It’s so simple to make that I often whip it up after a long day. Just toss the cooked pasta with the tomatoes and basil, and you’ve got a tasty dish that’s ready in minutes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using pasta shells for their perfect little cups that hold sauce and toppings well. However, you can easily swap in other pasta like penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness! If they’re not available, grape tomatoes work too, or even regular tomatoes diced, though you may need to adjust cooking time.
Fresh Mozzarella: It’s creamy and pairs wonderfully with the dish. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan mozzarella or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option or don’t have olive oil, avocado oil is a good substitute.
Fresh Basil: The fragrant herb brings the dish to life. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can work in a pinch — use about 1 tablespoon dried.
How Do I Make Sure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Garlic adds great flavor, but burnt garlic can ruin your dish. To keep garlic from burning, follow these tips:
- Always cook garlic on medium heat. High heat can scorch it quickly.
- Keep an eye on it and stir frequently. It cooks fast—just a minute or two is all it needs.
- If you’re unsure, remove the skillet from heat and add the garlic. Let it gently cook in the residual heat.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly flavored garlic every time!
Easy Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta shells or your favorite pasta
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes preparing the sauce and combining everything. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. When they’re done, drain the pasta but keep about 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case you need it later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic and Red Pepper:
While your pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and the red pepper flakes. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but make sure not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Cherry Tomatoes:
Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Stir them around occasionally while they cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. Feel free to lightly mash some of the tomatoes with a spoon to help create a delicious saucy texture.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Once the tomatoes are ready, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the tomato mixture. If it seems a little dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little bit at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Add Fresh Basil and Season:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to add even more flavor.
6. Serve the Pasta:
Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Top it off with fresh mozzarella balls scattered over each serving.
7. Finish and Enjoy!
Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top for added richness, and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. If you like a bit of heat, don’t forget to add some more red pepper flakes!
Enjoy your fresh, flavorful Easy Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta right away. It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to impress!
FAQ for Easy Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses pasta shells, you can substitute any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Cherry Tomatoes?
If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, feel free to use grape tomatoes or even regular tomatoes cut into smaller pieces. Just remember, larger tomatoes may take a bit longer to cook down to the desired saucy texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of olive oil or a bit of the reserved pasta water to bring it back to life!
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. For added creaminess, consider using a vegan cheese alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
