This easy pasta dish features a fresh, bright sauce made from blistered cherry tomatoes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and packed with flavor!
I love how the tomatoes burst in the pan, releasing their sweetness. Toss it all with pasta, and you’ve got a delicious meal in no time—just don’t forget the cheese! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: You can use any pasta you like, but I recommend spaghetti or linguine for this dish. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes are perfect here due to their sweetness. If they’re not available, grape tomatoes or even larger tomatoes diced up can work, though they won’t blister the same way.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder will do in a pinch, but I recommend starting with half the amount as it’s more concentrated.
Basil: Fresh basil makes this dish special. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use a pinch of dried basil, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
How Do I Get Those Cherry Tomatoes Perfectly Blistered?
Blistered tomatoes are key to this dish, creating an amazing sauce. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Make sure to heat the olive oil before adding the garlic and tomatoes. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the tomatoes go in.
- Place the halved tomatoes cut-side down in a single layer in the skillet. This helps them blister rather than steam.
- Cook them undisturbed for the first 2-3 minutes. Patience is key—you want that nice char!
After blistering, gently stir to finish cooking them. This step ensures they soften while still maintaining some structure, making your sauce delicious! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Pasta with Quick Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Optional: 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy pasta recipe will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 10 minutes to cook everything. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining—it’s a secret weapon for your sauce later!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant but be careful not to let it turn brown.
3. Blister the Tomatoes:
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet in a single layer. Let them sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. This allows them to blister and get slightly charred. After the initial cooking, gently stir the tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their juices, creating a delicious quick sauce.
4. Finish the Sauce:
If you’re using balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, add it to the skillet now and stir everything together. It adds a burst of brightness and flavor!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. If it looks too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Season and Serve:
Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the fresh basil leaves.
7. Enjoy:
Serve the pasta hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious, quick meal! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness, you can substitute grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Just ensure they are cooked long enough to soften and blend into the sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No worries! If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil instead—just use about a teaspoon as it’s more concentrated. Add it during the cooking process to allow the flavors to infuse.
How Can I Store Leftover Pasta?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of olive oil and a bit of water in a skillet over low heat to restore moisture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The dish remains delicious and flavorful without the cheese!
