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Simple Cherry Tomato Pasta

This dish features a quick sauté of garlic and fresh cherry tomatoes, which are gently simmered until they burst and release their juices. Tossed with cooked pasta, the resulting dish has a vibrant, saucy coating with a tender yet slightly roasted tomato texture and fragrant garlic aroma.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12-15 cups cherry tomatoes halved if large
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 400 grams spaghetti or pasta of choice
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • fresh basil basil leaves optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Cooking spoon
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a generous pinch of salt, and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—listen for a gentle sizzling sound and watch the garlic turn lightly golden.
  3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir them around so they’re coated with the garlic and oil, then cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to burst and release their juices, creating a vibrant sauce with bits of caramelized edges.
  4. Season the tomato mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir everything well so the flavors meld, and the sauce thickens slightly with the tomato juices.
  5. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat all the noodles evenly, letting the pasta absorb some of the flavorful juices. The sauce should cling lightly to the noodles, offering a glossy appearance.
  6. Garnish the pasta with torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness, if desired. Give it a final toss to distribute the basil evenly.
  7. Serve the pasta hot, with extra basil or cheese if you like. The dish should look vibrant with juicy, slightly blistered cherry tomatoes and a fragrant garlic-infused aroma ready to enjoy.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking. You can also top with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese before serving.