This quick pasta dish is fresh and full of flavor! Juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant garlic make every bite delightful. Plus, it comes together in just one pot—what’s not to love?
I often whip this up on busy weeknights. It’s so simple, I can have it ready before I even decide what to watch on TV! Enjoy with a sprinkle of cheese if you like it extra tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using spaghetti or linguine for this dish, but any pasta will do. If you want to go gluten-free, try brown rice or corn pasta as great alternatives.
Cherry Tomatoes: These burst with sweetness and flavor! If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes can work too, but they may need longer cooking. You could even use sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for aroma and taste. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but use it sparingly. It’s not quite the same, but it will still add some garlicky goodness.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavor. In a pinch, you can use any cooking oil you have, like vegetable or canola oil, though it’ll change the taste a little.
How Do You Ensure the Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Getting garlic just right can be tricky! Burning it can make your dish bitter. Start by heating the oil over medium heat, not high. Once you add the garlic, keep a close eye on it.
- Cook garlic for just 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and turning golden.
- If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat immediately!
- Stir it often to ensure it cooks evenly.
Following these steps will allow you to enjoy that rich garlic flavor without any bitterness spoiling the dish!
Easy Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite type)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 20 minutes. A quick and delicious meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water—this will help sauce your pasta later. After that, drain the pasta in a colander.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While your pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and starts to turn a light golden color. Keep an eye on it—garlic can burn quickly!
3. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir them occasionally and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and start to release their juicy goodness. Don’t forget to season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat!
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time. This helps to create a light, beautiful sauce that clings to the pasta.
5. Final Touches:
Let it all cook together for another minute or two to let the flavors meld. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and add fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this simple and tasty dish that highlights the freshness of cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and linguine work great, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time according to the package instructions!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil instead—just sprinkle a small amount into the sauce while cooking. Alternatively, parsley or arugula can provide a nice touch as a substitute.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The recipe is naturally vegan and delicious without any cheese too!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the pasta and keep it from drying out.
