If you’re looking for a dinner that feels fresh, vibrant, and like it came straight from a cozy Italian kitchen, this Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how quickly it comes together and how the burst cherry tomatoes create a naturally sweet, lively sauce that’s light yet so satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner guest, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how just a few simple ingredients could transform into something this flavorful without any heavy cream or canned sauces. You’ll find that the seasoning with fresh basil and that final sprinkle of Parmesan really makes it sing. Plus, since it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy and Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without the wait.
- Fresh Flavors: The burst cherry tomatoes bring natural sweetness and freshness that beats any jarred sauce.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients you can easily find or probably already have at home.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt with proteins or herbs to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe highlights fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together effortlessly. It’s best to choose ripe cherry tomatoes—red or a colorful mix adds a nice visual element. And don’t skimp on the olive oil; it really rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of red and yellow for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds that indispensable aroma and depth.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This is the secret to building a flavorful, light sauce without heaviness.
- Pasta: Use your favorite kind—I prefer spaghetti or linguine for this recipe.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Torn basil leaves add a fragrant herbal note you won’t want to skip.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Freshly ground for the best seasoning impact.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is my favorite finishing touch for richness and umami.
Variations
I love making this Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe my own by switching up the herbs and adding different proteins. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find that small tweaks make it feel brand new each time you cook it.
- Protein Boost: I often toss in grilled chicken slices or sautéed shrimp; both soak up the sauce beautifully and add heartiness.
- Herb Swap: Sometimes I add parsley or thyme alongside basil for an extra herbaceous twist.
- Spice It Up: If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in with the garlic kicks things up just right.
- Vegetarian Friendly: Stick with vegetable broth, and you have a perfect meat-free dish that’s still satisfying.
How to Make Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Until Al Dente
Begin with boiling your pasta according to the package directions—cooking it al dente is key because it’ll continue to soften when tossed with the sauce later. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water is your secret weapon for loosening up the sauce and helping it cling perfectly to every strand of pasta.
Step 2: Char the Cherry Tomatoes and Sauté the Garlic
Heat a medium saucepan over high heat and add the cherry tomatoes. You want them to blister and burst—this step is what creates that naturally sweet, smoky flavor. It usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Next, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, cooking just until it’s golden and fragrant—about a minute. Watch closely to avoid burning the garlic; it can turn bitter quickly.
Step 3: Simmer With Broth to Build Sauce
Pour in your broth—chicken or vegetable, depending on your preference—and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will help soften the tomatoes even more and let their juices meld with the broth to form a flavorful sauce. You’ll want to let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until it’s slightly reduced and thickened. Stir occasionally to keep everything mingling nicely.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Drizzle in the olive oil and toss in torn fresh basil leaves to add aroma and freshness. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Then, add the cooked pasta right into the saucepan and toss everything together. If the sauce feels a bit too thick or dry, slowly add some of your reserved pasta water—it helps loosen the sauce while making it silky and clingy. Once everything is well combined, you’re ready to plate!
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Serve your pasta warm, generously topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra fresh basil leaves. This finishing touch adds sweetness and a savory depth that makes every bite special.
Pro Tips for Making Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Burst Tomatoes Perfectly: Let the tomatoes cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring so they can really blister and release their juices.
- Garlic Watch: Add garlic only after the tomatoes have softened, and keep stirring so it doesn’t burn—it’s easy to get bitter instead of fragrant.
- Pasta Water Magic: Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches the right consistency and clings beautifully to your noodles.
- Taste Along the Way: Season little by little, and remember that broth and cheese add saltiness, so don’t overdo it initially.
How to Serve Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish mine with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan—it adds that perfect savory punch. A few torn basil leaves tossed on top brighten the dish and add a fresh herbal note. Sometimes, I also like a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes if I’m in the mood for a little heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or some roasted vegetables. For heartier meals, garlic bread or warm focaccia on the side makes the whole meal feel cozy and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like serving this pasta in shallow bowls with an extra sprig of basil, a shaving of Parmesan on top, and a lemon wedge on the side to add a zesty brightness just before eating. It’s such a simple trick but instantly elevates the presentation and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat them within 2 days for the best freshness. The tomatoes release more juice over time, so you might want to hold off on adding extra cheese until serving again.
Freezing
While you can freeze this pasta, I found the texture of the fresh tomatoes changes slightly after thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider freezing the sauce separately from the pasta for better results.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This helps avoid drying out the pasta and keeps the burst tomatoes flavorful and fresh tasting.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute grape tomatoes if you prefer—they have a similar size and sweetness. Larger tomatoes can work too but may require chopping and a longer cooking time to break down properly.
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What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
I recommend long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine because the light sauce clings beautifully to their strands. But you can use any pasta shape you love.
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Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan or swap it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
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How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add garlic after the tomatoes have softened and reduce the heat to medium. Stir continuously and remove from heat if it starts browning too quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe has become one of my favorite quick meals because it’s simple, bright, and reliably delicious every time. I hope you’ll enjoy the way those juicy, blistered tomatoes burst with flavor and how effortlessly you can pull off a fresh, satisfying pasta dish in half an hour. It’s the kind of recipe that makes cooking feel like a joy, not a chore—perfect to share with family or friends anytime.
Print
Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy 30-minute burst cherry tomato pasta recipe features charred, juicy cherry tomatoes simmered with garlic and broth to create a flavorful sauce. Tossed with al dente pasta, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s finished with grated Parmesan cheese for a satisfying weeknight meal bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, red or a mix of colors
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water for later use, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Char the Tomatoes and Add Garlic: Heat a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are charred and begin to burst, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the tomatoes, and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic turns golden but not burnt.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly and thickens to your desired consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Drizzle the olive oil into the sauce and add a handful of fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan, tossing well to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and more fresh basil.
Notes
- Pasta Water: Using reserved pasta water helps to emulsify and thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings to the pasta more effectively.
- Herbs: Besides basil, add parsley or thyme for herbaceous notes.
- Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken slices or sautéed shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
