Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta: The 20-Minute Miracle
A quick, vibrant pasta dish featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs. Bursting with flavor and ready in 20 minutes, this recipe is a weeknight lifesaver.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
8 oz (225g) pasta (any shape)
1.5 lbs (680g) cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, 8-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, 1 minute.
Toss in cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and release their juices, 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and more pepper flakes if desired.
Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Add pasta to the skillet with tomatoes. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan (optional). Serve immediately.
Notes
Use dried oregano or thyme as a substitute for fresh basil.
Add protein like grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Storage: Best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.