This dish features tender pasta tossed in a sweet sauce made from blistered cherry tomatoes. It’s bright, fresh, and super easy to make—perfect for a quick dinner!
When the tomatoes burst, they create such a lovely sauce that you might forget about the pasta! I love serving this with a sprinkle of cheese—it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using spaghetti for this dish because it pairs nicely with the sauce. You can also opt for linguine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions!
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes are the star here, bursting with flavor. If you can’t find them, grape tomatoes work just as well. They’re both small and sweet.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil brings a fruity flavor to the sauce. If you’re looking for something lighter, you can use regular olive oil, or substitute with avocado oil for a different twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must; it adds depth to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will do, but I always prefer the taste of fresh.
Honey or Sugar: This is optional, but if your tomatoes aren’t super sweet, a touch of honey or sugar can enhance the flavor. Maple syrup is a great substitute if you want something different.
How Do I Get the Tomatoes to Blister Perfectly?
Getting those cherry tomatoes to blister beautifully is key to this sauce! Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large skillet to give the tomatoes enough space to cook evenly. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of blistering.
- Heat the oil over medium-high. Add tomatoes and let them sit untouched for a couple of minutes before stirring. This allows them to char.
- Keep an eye on them! Once they begin to blister and burst, you’re on the right track. Stir gently to avoid squash them too much.
Enjoy the burst of flavors in this easy pasta dish!
Easy Pasta with Sweet Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, to enhance sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (about 1/4 cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy pasta dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes preparing the sauce. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner but tasty enough to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm but not hard). Remember to save about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before you drain it!
2. Heat the Olive Oil:
While the pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. This will get your sauce started!
3. Blister the Tomatoes:
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes. You’ll want them to blister, soften, and start to burst. This creates a wonderful sweet, smoky flavor!
4. Add Garlic:
When the tomatoes are blistered, stir in the sliced garlic. Cook this mixture for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell the delicious garlic scent, but be careful not to let it brown.
5. Sweeten the Sauce (Optional):
If you think your tomatoes could use a little extra sweetness, feel free to add the honey or sugar here. Stir it all together and let it meld nicely!
6. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season! Add in some salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a bit spicy. Mix it all well!
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Carefully add the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water as well. Toss everything together so that the pasta is nicely coated in that lovely tomato sauce. If it looks a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add more pasta water!
8. Finish with Fresh Basil:
Take the skillet off the heat and gently fold in the torn fresh basil leaves. This adds a fresh burst of flavor!
9. Drizzle and Serve:
Lastly, drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta and give it a gentle toss. Serve it up immediately with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top!
Enjoy your vibrant, easy pasta with sweet blistered cherry tomato sauce! It’s a simple, delightful dish that’s sure to please!
FAQ about Easy Pasta with Sweet Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh Basil?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil or Italian seasoning, adding it to the sauce when you mix in the garlic for the best flavor integration.
What If I Can’t Find Cherry Tomatoes?
No worries! You can use grape tomatoes as a substitute; they have a similar sweetness and size. Alternatively, canned whole tomatoes can work—just crush them slightly before cooking, but you may need to adjust the cooking time a bit!
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can also be sprinkled on top for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan with a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to revive the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it, stirring occasionally for even heating.