This 5-Ingredient Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta is a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create a spectacular meal. The sauce comes together in the time it takes to boil your pasta, bursting with the sweet, concentrated flavor of roasted tomatoes and fragrant garlic. After testing this method dozens of times, I can confidently say it’s my go-to for a 20-minute dinner that feels gourmet.

5-Ingredient Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta

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Author: Dorothy Miller

Ingredients

Scale

2 pints cherry tomatoes
4 large garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
1/2 lb dry pasta (spaghetti, bucatini, penne rigate)
1 cup fresh basil (roughly chopped)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt + pepper

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to boil.
In a cold skillet, heat 4 tbsp of olive oil and garlic over medium heat. Watch the skillet and stir frequently so that the garlic doesn't brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and let it cook for about 8 minutes over medium-low heat. Stir the tomatoes frequently and press down on the blistered tomatoes to help release the juices.
While the cherry tomatoes are simmering, cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Make sure to reserve about a cup of pasta water and set aside.

Once the tomatoes have softened, add the fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and about 1/3 cup of pasta water and increase the heat to high. Stir and toss the pasta with the sauce vigorously until you get a creamy texture to the sauce. Then remove the skillet from the heat and add the Parmesan and 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. Plate and garnish with more fresh basil and parmesan. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

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5-Ingredient Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe