Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite go-to dinners: Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe. It’s that kind of dish that feels special but comes together lightning fast — perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The magic happens when those sweet cherry tomatoes blister and burst, creating a naturally flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully.

What I love most is how this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and rich, fresh flavor. You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients or complicated steps — just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe always gets rave reviews and might just become your new favorite staple too.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe is like a little flavor bomb that fits perfectly in the bigger picture. When shopping, look for the freshest cherry tomatoes you can find — they’re the star of the show here and really make a difference.

• Dry pasta: I stick with a sturdy shape like spaghetti or linguine that holds the sauce well.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce perfectly without overpowering.
• Garlic: Thin slices gently infuse the olive oil with a mellow, aromatic flavor.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a luscious mouthfeel; quality matters here.
• Cherry tomatoes: When blistered, they burst with natural sweetness and acidity, creating a fresh sauce.
• Fresh basil leaves: These leafy green gems bring brightness and herbaceous notes to the dish.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for a little kick and warmth.
• Parmesan cheese: Finishing with Parmesan adds a salty, nutty dimension that really elevates everything.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to keep the base recipe classic, but sometimes I’ll throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes to wake up the sauce with some heat. Feel free to personalize this recipe however you like — the best part is that it’s so forgiving!

• Add protein: I’ve tossed in cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a heartier meal that keeps things quick.
• Herb swaps: If you don’t have basil, try fresh parsley or oregano for a different but equally fresh twist.
• Dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan and add nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
• Seasonal twists: In cooler months, roasted root veggies like butternut squash can be stirred in for extra depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta just shy of al dente

I like to cook the pasta right in the skillet or sauté pan so I can save on cleanup. Cover your pasta with plenty of salted water and bring it to a rapid boil. Here’s a trick: cook it for about one minute less than the package says so it finishes cooking in the sauce without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Gently infuse olive oil with garlic

While the pasta cooks, warm 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and add the sliced garlic. Stir often — you want the garlic softened and fragrant, not browned or bitter. About 3 minutes should do it.

Step 3: Blister the cherry tomatoes until saucy

Dump in the cherry tomatoes and keep stirring. They’ll start to blister, burst, and release juices — this usually takes around 10 minutes. Press them gently with the back of a wooden spoon to encourage bursting without turning the sauce mushy.

Step 4: Cook sauce until rich and creamy, then season

Keep cooking for about 5 minutes more until the sauce thickens and turns creamy. Stir in fresh basil, season with salt and pepper to your taste, and get ready for the best part — combining with pasta.

Step 5: Toss pasta in sauce with reserved water & finish with Parmesan

Drain pasta but keep about a cup of pasta water. Add pasta directly to the sauce, turn the heat up a bit, and stir constantly, tossing to coat. Add pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes silky and coats the pasta perfectly. Remove from heat, drizzle the remaining olive oil, and shower on plenty of freshly grated Parmesan before serving.

How to Serve Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always finish with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves torn on top. Sometimes a drizzle of chili oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon brightens things up beautifully. These little touches make a simple dish feel elegant.

Side Dishes

Some simple garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly — balances the warm, tender pasta with fresh crunch. I also love serving it alongside roasted veggies if I want to sneak in extra color on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve plated this pasta in shallow bowls and added a drizzle of basil oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a little extra texture. It’s also fun to turn this into a vibrant pasta bar, putting out bowls of garnishes like sliced olives, capers, and chili flakes for guests to customize.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat them within 2 days for the best flavor. The pasta can soak up the sauce over time, so I like to refresh it before serving.

Freezing

Freezing works okay for the sauce part alone — I freeze it in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge. For best results, cook fresh pasta when ready to serve to keep the texture nice and tender.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Microwaving can work in a pinch but stirring halfway through helps prevent dry or uneven heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it feels both homey and elevated at the same time. It’s proof that with just a few simple ingredients and a little attention, you can whip up something truly delightful. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear what you think — it’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again when you want a quick, satisfying meal that warms the soul.

Print