Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta

Introduction

About the Recipe

The 5-Ingredient Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta is a brilliant dish showcasing simplicity at its best. Crafted with minimal ingredients and a hassle-free preparation, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting and flavorful. The main star of the show, cherry tomatoes, burst into a sweet and tangy sauce that coats your favorite pasta beautifully.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

What You’ll Need

1 pound of cherry tomatoes
4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1/3 cup of olive oil
12 ounces of your favorite pasta
Optional fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Prep Time

Quick and Easy Preparation

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cooking Details

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic

In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil. Add finely minced garlic and cook for approximately 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Add Cherry Tomatoes

Add whole cherry tomatoes to the pan with the garlic. Allow the tomatoes to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the tomatoes soften with heat, lightly press down on them with a spatula or wooden spoon to release their juices and create a sauce.

Step 4: Add Pasta Water and Combine

Pour the reserved pasta water into the pan with the cherry tomatoes, stirring to combine. This will help to create a slightly creamy, emulsified sauce.

Step 5: Add Cooked Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the tomato sauce.

Step 6: Final Adjustments and Garnish

Season the pasta dish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Transfer to serving plates or bowls and optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

Note 1: Pasta Recommendation

Use spaghetti or any other long-strand pasta for this recipe. However, you can substitute with short pasta varieties like penne or rigatoni.

Note 2: Garlic Cooking Tips

Ensure the garlic is cooked on medium heat. Cooking it on high heat may cause it to burn and create a bitter taste in the dish.

Note 3: Cherry Tomato Selection

Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. If cherry tomatoes are not available, grape tomatoes or baby plum tomatoes can be used.

Note 4: Pasta Water Importance

Do not forget to reserve the pasta water before draining. Its starchy content is key for creating the perfect glossy sauce that clings to the pasta.

Note 5: Adjusting the Sauce

If the sauce becomes too thick, add small amounts of pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Note 6: Garnishing Variations

For added depth of flavor, consider grating Parmesan cheese over the pasta or drizzling with a touch of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Note 7: Vegan Option

To keep this dish vegan, skip any cheese garnishes and ensure the olive oil used is plant-based.

Cook Techniques

Cooking Cherry Tomatoes Until They Burst

Heat olive oil in a wide shallow pan. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and their skins start splitting. Use the back of your spoon to gently press on some of the tomatoes to help them release their juices.

Creating a Simple Sauce

Once the tomatoes have released their juices, stir frequently to mix the oil, tomato juice, and any additional seasonings. Allow the mixture to reduce slightly for a more flavorful sauce.

Cooking Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Cook your pasta in salted boiling water for the suggested time on the package minus 1 minute. This ensures the pasta remains slightly firm and can absorb the sauce when mixed.

Combining Pasta with Sauce

After draining (reserving some pasta cooking water), toss the freshly cooked pasta directly into the tomato mixture. Use some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.

Adding Fresh Basil

Tear fresh basil by hand and scatter over the pasta just before serving for a fragrant finish and a pop of color.

FAQ

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes, but cherry tomatoes are ideal since they are naturally sweet and juicy, which works perfectly for this recipe.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce in advance, store it in an airtight container, and reheat it before combining it with the pasta.

How do I prevent the sauce from drying out?

Reserve some pasta cooking water and add it to the sauce as needed to maintain the desired consistency.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Absolutely. Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta to enhance the dish.

What other herbs can I use?

If you’re not a fan of basil, parsley, or oregano would be great alternatives to pair with the flavors in this dish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free version while following the same steps.

Conclusion

This 5-ingredient burst cherry tomato pasta is a simple, yet delectable recipe that proves you don’t need a complex list of ingredients to create something truly satisfying. The combination of fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and parmesan, with perfectly cooked al dente pasta, creates a comforting dish full of flavor and freshness. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. This recipe embodies the essence of simplicity while delivering incredible taste.

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