Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Hey there! If you’re hunting for a meal that’s simple, bursting with fresh flavors, and quick enough for a busy weeknight, then this Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those dishes I fall back on when I want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The blistered cherry tomatoes cook down into an irresistible sauce that feels fresh and indulgent all at once.

What I love most about this recipe is how well it fits into any occasion — whether it’s a last-minute lunch or an easy dinner for friends. You get this perfect harmony between the sweet, slightly smoky tomatoes and the silky pasta that’s just begging for a sprinkle of Parmesan. Trust me, once you try this Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation too.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe plays a part in creating that perfect balance of simplicity and depth. When you pick your ingredients, aim for freshness — especially the cherry tomatoes and basil — to get the best flavor.

• Dry pasta: Use a good-quality pasta like spaghetti or linguine; it holds the sauce well and cooks quickly.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and sauce to make the flavors pop.
• Garlic: Thinly sliced for gentle flavor release without overpowering the sauce.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Brings richness and helps soften garlic and tomatoes while adding that classic Italian depth.
• Cherry tomatoes: The star of the sauce, they blister and burst to create a saucy texture and sweet, concentrated flavor.
• Fresh basil leaves: Adds freshness and a beautiful herbal lift to the sauce.
• Freshly ground black pepper: For a subtle kick that enhances without overpowering.
• Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch — salty, nutty, and melts into the warm pasta for that creamy richness.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this recipe pretty classic, but there’s so much room to tweak it depending on your mood or pantry. You could add a pinch of chili flakes if you want some heat or throw in some olives for a salty punch. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it yours — that’s half the fun!

• Variation: One time, I tossed in some sautéed spinach for extra greens; it boosted the freshness and made it feel heartier without losing speed.
• Dietary twists: Use gluten-free pasta or add some toasted pine nuts for crunch if you’re looking to up the texture.
• Seasonal changes: In winter, grape tomatoes or canned fire-roasted tomatoes also work well, just keep an eye on flavor adjustments.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Get the Pasta Going

Start by placing your dry pasta in a large skillet or sauté pan big enough to hold it comfortably. Cover with plenty of water and a big pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. One trick I’ve learned is to cook the pasta about one minute less than the package says — you want it just shy of al dente since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. This keeps it perfectly tender but still with a bit of bite.

Step 2: Soften the Garlic and Blister the Tomatoes

While the pasta is boiling, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a 12-inch skillet. Add the thinly sliced garlic and stir frequently for about 3 minutes. Your aim is gentle softening without browning — burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the sauce’s sweetness. Next, add all the cherry tomatoes and keep stirring. They’ll burst and blister as they cook, releasing their juices and becoming beautifully tender. I like to gently press them with the back of a wooden spoon to speed things up and get a creamy sauce texture. It takes roughly 10 minutes for them to start bursting, then an additional 5 minutes to get that rich creaminess.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Once the sauce looks luscious and thick, stir in the fresh basil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drain your pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water just in case the sauce needs loosening. Toss the pasta directly into the sauce and turn the heat to medium-high. Keep stirring and tossing constantly – this step is key to ensuring the pasta absorbs the flavor and the sauce coats every strand. Add pasta water little by little as needed to get a silky, creamy consistency. Off the heat, drizzle the remaining olive oil over and grate plenty of Parmesan cheese on top. Serve it right away while the cheese melts into the pasta, offering that irresistible bite every time.

How to Serve Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with a generous grate of fresh Parmesan because it melts into the warm pasta and adds a savory punch. If I’m feeling a little extra, I might sprinkle some torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil straight from the bottle. Sometimes, a few red pepper flakes make an excellent spicy contrast too — just enough to tickle the taste buds.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad — think arugula with lemon vinaigrette — to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, I like serving it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. Warm, crusty bread is a must in my book to sop up any leftover sauce that lingers on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating this pasta in wide shallow bowls topped with extra basil and Parmesan shavings. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted pine nuts for a lovely crunch. Serving family-style in a big, rustic skillet right at the table always sparks great conversation — nothing beats sharing a homemade meal that’s fresh and vibrant!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pasta does soak up the sauce a bit overnight, so it tastes best reheated gently. I always add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water during reheating to loosen things back up.

Freezing

Freezing pasta with fresh tomato sauce isn’t my top pick because the fresh basil and texture suffer a bit. But if you have to, freeze the sauce separately without the pasta. When ready to eat, thaw the sauce and reheat gently, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best fresh taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a little olive oil or water to restore creaminess. Avoid the microwave if possible — it can make the pasta gummy. A quick tip: reheat just enough for one serving at a time for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe feels like a little celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in the best way. I’ve enjoyed making it countless times, whether for a quick solo dinner or a casual meal with friends. Its simplicity disguises how satisfying and flavorful it truly is, and I’m confident you’ll love it just as much — give it a try and see for yourself how a few fresh ingredients can turn into something truly special!

Print