Cherry Tomato Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Cherry Tomato Pasta is a simple and tasty dish that brightens up any meal. It uses fresh cherry tomatoes, which bring a juicy sweetness to the plate.

The combination of pasta, olive oil, garlic, and herbs makes it a delight. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days.

How To Make Cherry Tomato Pasta

Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) linguini pasta
• 650 grams (1.7 pounds) cherry tomatoes
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4-5 small sprigs of thyme
• 40 grams (½ small) onion (minced)
• 5 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 10-12 fresh basil leaves (if too large, cut them in half)
• sea salt
• freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C / 430°F.
2. Cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package says. Save ⅓ cup of pasta water.
3. Roast the cherry tomatoes. Cut them in half and put them in a pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add some salt. Roast for 10-15 minutes.
4. Save half of the roasted cherry tomatoes in a bowl to add to the sauce later. Let them cool slightly.
5. Blend the other half of the roasted cherry tomatoes with their juices and thyme. Use a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
6. In a non-stick frying pan, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
7. Sauté the onion over medium-low heat until it’s soft, then add the minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
8. Add the blended tomato sauce and pasta water. Taste and add salt if needed.
9. Mix in the basil leaves and dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute.
10. Stir in the pasta and then add the reserved cherry tomatoes.
11. Serve with freshly ground pepper on top.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 350 calories, 10 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat.

How To Serve Cherry Tomato Pasta

This delicious pasta can be served right from the stove. You can sprinkle extra basil or cheese on top for added flavor. Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to complete your meal.

How To Store Cherry Tomato Pasta

Store any leftover Cherry Tomato Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will be good for about 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.

Tips To Make Cherry Tomato Pasta

• Use fresh and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the roasting step—it adds a deep, sweet flavor to the tomatoes.
• Experiment with different herbs like parsley or thyme for a twist.
• You can add protein by mixing in cooked chicken or shrimp.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Cherry Tomato Pasta is a healthy dish that includes many nutritious ingredients. The cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, which help your immune system and skin. Olive oil is a source of healthy fats that are good for your heart. This recipe is also low in processed ingredients, making it a great choice for a balanced meal.

Variation

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting any meat. For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free pasta instead. Adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini can boost the nutritional value even more.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like—spaghetti, penne, or even whole wheat pasta works well.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like spice, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a nice kick.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just reheat when you are ready to serve.