This Easy Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta is a bright and tasty dish! With juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, it’s perfect for a light meal that feels special.
You only need a few simple ingredients, and dinner is ready in no time! I love how the sweet tomatoes burst when you cook them—talk about flavor! 🍅
Serve this pasta with a sprinkle of cheese on top, and you’re all set. It’s a great way to enjoy summer flavors any time of year!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used pasta shells for their fun shape, but you can swap them for any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Whole wheat or gluten-free options are great too if you prefer those!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes are sweet and perfect for this dish. If they’re out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes, but add them later in the cooking process to prevent them from getting mushy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a lovely flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but I’d recommend 1/4 teaspoon instead of fresh to avoid overpowering the dish.
Basil: Fresh basil is key here. If you can’t find it, use a teaspoon of dried basil instead, but fresh really makes this dish shine!
Cheese: Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess. You can substitute it with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist—just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Pasta?
Cooking pasta to the right level of doneness is so important for great texture. Here’s how I do it:
- Make sure your water is boiling before adding the pasta to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Add a generous amount of salt to the water; this seasons the pasta while it cooks.
- Cook it according to the package instructions, but start checking a minute or two earlier. You want “al dente,” which means it should have a slight bite to it.
- Save some pasta water! It’s starchy and helps thicken your sauce.
- Drain without rinsing! This keeps the starch on the pasta and helps the sauce cling better.
How to Make Easy Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz pasta shells or your favorite short pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10-12 minutes cooking the pasta while preparing the sauce, and everything comes together quickly for a delightful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once it’s done, drain it, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and break down—this will create a flavorful sauce.
4. Toss in the Pasta:
Once the tomatoes are soft, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the tomato and garlic mixture. If the dish seems a bit dry, gradually add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Mix in Herbs and Seasoning:
Add in the chopped fresh basil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Give it all a good toss to combine the flavors!
6. Plate the Dish:
Transfer the pasta onto plates. Top with the fresh mozzarella balls, which will get a bit melty from the heat of the pasta.
7. Add Finishing Touches:
Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top, sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and if you like a little kick, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious, fresh, and simple Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta! It’s the perfect dish for a comforting meal that feels light and full of flavor.
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe is perfect with pasta shells, you can easily substitute it for any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check the package instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No worries! If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead. While the flavor will be different, it will still add a nice touch to the dish. Just stir it in when you add the other seasonings.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, simply omit the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese or substitute with vegan cheese options. You’ll still have a delicious pasta dish with the vibrant flavors of tomatoes and basil!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, put the pasta back in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through. You may need to add a little more fresh basil to brighten the flavors again!
