I absolutely love this Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe because it feels like summer in every bite—juicy tomatoes bursting open, mingling perfectly with garlic and fresh basil. It’s one of those dishes that’s super quick to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. You’ll find that this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how those simple cherry tomatoes transform into a rich, flavorful sauce in just minutes, without needing any heavy cream or canned tomatoes. Plus, it’s so adaptable—whether you want it light and fresh or a little richer with some added protein, it always comes together beautifully. Trust me, you’re going to want this Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy and Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy days when you want something homemade without the hassle.
- Fresh Bursting Flavor: Those cherry tomatoes literally burst in the pan, giving you a naturally sweet and tangy sauce.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easily add your favorite proteins or switch up herbs depending on what’s in season or your mood.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste: Simple pantry staples come together for a satisfying meal that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together so well because they highlight each other’s freshness without overwhelming the palate. When you shop, look for ripe cherry tomatoes for that perfect pop, and fresh basil to lift the whole dish.
- Cherry tomatoes: I like using a mix of red and yellow for vibrant color and balanced sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced gives that punchy aroma and flavor that cooks down just right.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Adds depth and a bit of savory umami to the tomato sauce.
- Pasta: Any kind you love works here, but long shapes like spaghetti or linguine hold sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for richness and silkiness.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn leaves bring fresh, herbal brightness to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: To season and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for that classic finishing touch that melts into the pasta.
Variations
I love mixing this recipe up depending on what I have in the fridge or season. Don’t be afraid to personalize it—you’ll find small tweaks make it feel brand new every time you make it.
- With Protein: I often add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal; it pairs beautifully with the fresh tomato sauce.
- Herbs Galore: Besides basil, try adding parsley or a touch of thyme for extra herbal depth—I promise it’s worth experimenting.
- Spice Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely heat that wakes up the whole dish without overpowering the tomatoes.
- Cheesy Twist: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add a dollop of ricotta for a creamy finish.
How to Make Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining—it’s pure gold for helping your sauce cling to the noodles later. I always set aside the pasta and keep it warm while I make the sauce to ensure everything gets combined hot and fresh.
Step 2: Burst and Char the Cherry Tomatoes
Heat a medium saucepan over high heat with a splash of olive oil, then add your cherry tomatoes. Stir them occasionally as they cook, letting the heat char their skins just enough until they literally start to burst open—this takes about 5-7 minutes. This step releases incredible natural sweetness and gives you that signature “burst” flavor that makes this recipe so special.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Simmer with Broth
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic right into the tomatoes. Let it cook for about a minute until fragrant and golden but watch carefully to avoid burning. Then pour in the broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 10-15 minutes while stirring occasionally; the broth reduces and thickens into a rich, saucy base that tastes like pure comfort.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce with Olive Oil and Basil
Once the sauce looks thick and gorgeous, drizzle in your olive oil and scatter torn basil leaves over the top. Season really well with salt and freshly ground black pepper to make those flavors pop. This last step adds silkiness and brightness, rounding out the sauce beautifully.
Step 5: Toss Pasta and Sauce Together
Add your cooked pasta directly into the saucepan with the sauce and toss well to coat every strand. If the sauce looks a bit too thick or dry, add that reserved pasta water little by little until you get the perfect creamy consistency. You’ll see how the sauce clings and lightens up, making each bite luscious and satisfying.
Step 6: Plate and Serve with Parmesan
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few more basil leaves if you like. This finishing touch adds that salty, nutty flavor that makes the dish truly crave-worthy.
Pro Tips for Making Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starch-rich water helps marry the sauce and pasta, so don’t skip this—it’s a game changer for silky sauce.
- Watch Garlic Closely: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter, so add it only after you reduce the heat and stir constantly.
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: The sweeter and fresher the tomatoes, the better your sauce will taste naturally without extra sugar.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep pasta al dente so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce and provides the perfect texture contrast.
How to Serve Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves. Sometimes I’ll add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a luscious finish or a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a little kick. These simple garnishes make the dish look inviting and taste even better.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some crunchy garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. I also love serving it alongside steamed or roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini to keep things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve served this pasta in shallow white bowls topped with whole basil sprigs and a few cherry tomatoes left whole for color contrast. You can also add edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and elegance—great for impressing friends without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the pasta absorbs sauce as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen things up and keep it moist.
Freezing
I usually don’t freeze this pasta because fresh tomatoes lose their brightness after thawing, but if you must, freeze the sauce and pasta separately. Reheat the sauce gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best results.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or reserved pasta water to bring back silkiness. Stir gently until warmed through—microwaving can make the pasta dry and less vibrant.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes work best because they burst easily and cook quickly, you can use grape tomatoes or even halved roma tomatoes. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they soften and release their juices.
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Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it can be vegetarian if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s perfect as a light, meatless meal or a side dish for vegetarians.
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How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Reduce the heat to medium before adding minced garlic to the pan and stir it constantly for just about a minute. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can overpower the sauce’s fresh flavors.
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Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook according to package instructions and proceed as usual—the sauce complements all pasta varieties.
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What’s the trick to getting the sauce silky?
Using the reserved pasta cooking water is key since it contains starch that helps emulsify the sauce and create that perfect, silky texture that clings to every noodle.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend the Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe enough—it’s a winner every time and a meal that brings a smile around my table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a busy weeknight or feeding friends on a casual weekend, it delivers fresh, satisfying flavors with very little effort. Give it a try and see how those juicy tomatoes elevate your pasta game; I’d love to hear how it becomes one of your new kitchen favorites too.
Print
Easy 30 Minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy 30-minute Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta combines sweet, charred cherry tomatoes with garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese to create a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe balances simplicity with bold flavors and can be customized with proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Ingredients
Produce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, red or a mix of colors
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
Pantry
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dairy
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water for later use, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Char the Tomatoes and Add Garlic: Heat a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are charred and begin to burst, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the tomatoes, and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic turns golden but not burnt.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly and thickens to your desired consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Drizzle the olive oil into the sauce and add a handful of fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan, tossing well to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and more fresh basil.
Notes
- Using reserved pasta water helps to emulsify and thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings to the pasta more effectively.
- Besides basil, add parsley or thyme for additional herbaceous notes.
- Add grilled chicken slices or sautéed shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
