Description
Quick Cherry Tomato Pasta is a simple, flavorful Italian-inspired dish ready in just 25 minutes. Featuring al dente pasta tossed with bursting cherry tomatoes sautéed with garlic and onions, and finished with grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning, this recipe offers a delightful weeknight meal that comes together easily on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 9 oz cherry tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and the pasta. Cook until al dente following package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Heat Oil: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing aromatics.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the hot oil and sauté until it becomes almost translucent. Add the minced garlic, stirring continuously. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cover the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and start bursting. Gently press on the tomatoes to help release the juice.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the tomatoes have burst, stir all ingredients together to combine flavors.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly.
- Add Cheese and Pasta Water: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of reserved pasta water. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a creamy sauce when combined with the cheese.
- Adjust seasoning as needed, especially salt and pepper, to suit your taste.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes during the seasoning step.
- If you prefer a vegan version, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but can be substituted with basil or oregano according to preference.
