Cheesy, Cherry Tomato Pasta: A Light Yet Indulgent Dinner

Pasta is loved by all. It can be spruced up for a multi-step meal or made entirely in one pot. Pasta pairs beautifully with the best seasonal flavours and produce (our fav), and never fails to dazzle. This Cherry Tomato Pasta is a quick, convenient and simple dinner that emerges within 30 minutes constituting a wonderful, palatable and appealing delish. Pasta with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil is fantastic. 

The recipe features the best spaghetti sauce, which is made from fresh, juicy and luscious cherry tomatoes, pungent garlic, brilliant red chilli flakes, and salt. The delicacy is garnished with fresh basil and rich parmesan cheese. The cheese adds a hint of sharpness, sourness and makes the sauce even more thick and creamy. This next-to-effortless meal works great for a tiring evening or a relaxed weekend brunch. 

Tomatoes with spaghetti became a recognized Italian meal after a recipe for it was published in 1837. Tomatoes were first brought to Italy by the Spanish between the 16th and 17th centuries. Prior to this, Italians thought tomatoes were harmful and considered them ornamental. The first recorded usage of tomato sauce with pasta was in the 1790 publication of Francesco Leonardi's L'Apicio moderno, an Italian cookbook. 

The cherry tomato is believed to have been domesticated for the first time in Puebla-Veracruz, Mexico after travelling from South America as a weed. However, study material demonstrates that cherry-sized tomatoes came from Ecuador around 80,000 years ago as a wild species. These tiny tomatoes are the predecessors of large tomatoes.

This Cherry Tomato Pasta can be a super-sixer for both kids and adults. For a complete supper, serve the delicacy with some crispy and moist garlic bread and a simple cold salad along with sangria. Here’s the recipe for Cheesy, Cherry Tomato Pasta.

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 25-30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces spaghetti
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 4 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 6 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp red chilli flakes
  • 1 cup fresh basil (chopped)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Method

  • In a large pot, heat enough water and salt to taste. 
  • Once hot, add spaghetti or pasta. Cook the pasta until soft and tender. Drain water and keep aside.
  • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. 
  • Add cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5 mins or so, while stirring, till they turn soft.
  • Now, add garlic, salt, and red chilli flakes. Sauté well for a few minutes. 
  • Once the tomatoes are tender and heated enough, with the help of a masher or fork, mash the cherry tomatoes in order to make them burst out their juices. 
  • Cook for 5 more mins or until they are all blended to form a rich sauce or gravy.
  • Now, transfer the cooked pasta into the pan and combine well with the cherry tomato sauce.
  • Add little water if needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
  • Add finely chopped basil and parmesan cheese. 
  • Toss and mix thoroughly for an even taste.
  • Garnish with basil and more parmesan.
  • Serve hot and enjoy.