tomato pasta sauce

Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

A fresh cherry tomato basil pasta sauce made by bursting sweet tomatoes with garlic and olive oil in one skillet.

5Prep min
18Cook min
23Total min
4 servingsYield
Burst cherry tomato pasta sauce with basil and parmesan
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Recipe card

Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

23 min

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb (680 g) cherry tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup torn basil
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan, optional

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.

  2. 2

    Add cherry tomatoes and salt. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most tomatoes burst.

  3. 3

    Press a few tomatoes with the back of a spoon to create more sauce.

  4. 4

    Add cooked pasta and a small splash of pasta water. Toss until glossy.

  5. 5

    Remove from heat and fold in basil and parmesan if using.

Helpful notes

  • A mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes gives a balanced flavor.
  • Do not overcook the basil; add it after the pan leaves the heat.

This sauce is excellent with spaghetti, linguine, orecchiette or small shells.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to preserve the fresh tomato texture.