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
Units
Scale
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
