When I have cherry tomatoes in the house, I am always tempted to make two things. One is this cherry tomato pasta and the other is my mozzarella and cherry tomato salad. I think cherry tomatoes are best eaten raw or with as little cooking as possible. We are lucky that cherry tomatoes are here in abundance almost throughout the year. Back in Singapore, I remember they were very expensive, and so we’d only use them sparingly in salads
Step-by-step: Cherry tomato pasta
Pasta – Boil the pasta in a large pasta pot of salted water over medium-high heat until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the drained pasta water for the sauce. Set aside.Pro tip – I start boiling the pasta around the same time as the pasta sauce. So the drained pasta goes directly into the sauce after being drained.
Saute – In a large skillet pan over medium heat saute the onions and garlic in olive oil until the onions are translucent. Tomatoes – add the tomato paste followed by the cherry tomatoes, olives, thyme, rosemary, and basil leaves along with 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
Season – Season the pasta with salt and pepper. Add the drained pasta with another 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta well so it is covered with all the pan juices. Garnish – Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese.
Tips for Sucess
Use ripe, flavorful cherry tomatoes: Since cherry tomatoes are a key ingredient, using ripe and flavorful ones will enhance the taste of the dish. Don’t overcook the tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes should be cooked just until they start to soften and release their juices. Overcooking can cause them to become mushy. Season generously: Cherry tomatoes benefit from bold seasoning. Don’t be afraid to use plenty of salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like basil to enhance the flavor. Use pasta water: Save some of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This starchy water can be used to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta. Finish with high-quality olive oil: A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving can enhance the flavors of the dish. Add protein or veggies: Consider adding protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas, or vegetables like spinach or asparagus to make the dish more hearty and nutritious. Choose the right pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, or penne are great choices for this dish as they can hold the sauce well. Garnish with fresh herbs and cheese: Freshly chopped basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish.
Frequently asked questions
Creative variations you can try with cherry tomato pasta:
Caprese Pasta: Add fresh mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella cheese to the pasta along with the cherry tomatoes. Toss with balsamic glaze and fresh basil for a Caprese-inspired dish. Creamy Tomato Pasta: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream to the cherry tomato sauce to make it creamy. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese for a rich and indulgent dish. Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta: Roast the cherry tomatoes in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they burst and caramelize. Toss with cooked pasta and fresh herbs for a deeper flavor. Mediterranean Pasta: Add sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh oregano to the pasta for a Mediterranean twist. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice before serving. Spicy Tomato Pasta: Add sliced red chili peppers or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cherry tomato sauce for a spicy kick. Serve with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Lemon Garlic Pasta: Add lemon zest and juice, along with minced garlic, to the cherry tomato sauce for a bright and flavorful pasta dish. Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Pesto Tomato Pasta: Stir in a few tablespoons of basil pesto to the cherry tomato sauce for a burst of flavor. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the cherry tomato sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Serve with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Creative ways to serve cherry tomato pasta:
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off of bell peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, and stuff them with cherry tomato pasta. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender. Pasta Salad: Chill the cherry tomato pasta and serve it as a pasta salad. Add in some diced cucumber, red onion, and black olives for a refreshing side dish. Pasta Bake: Mix the cherry tomato pasta with some cooked chicken or sausage, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Pasta Frittata: Mix the cherry tomato pasta with some beaten eggs and pour into a skillet. Cook until the eggs are set, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown. Stuffed Zucchini: Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Fill the zucchini halves with cherry tomato pasta and top with cheese. Bake until the zucchini is tender. Pasta Tacos: Use large lettuce leaves or tortillas as wraps and fill them with the cherry tomato pasta. Top with avocado slices, cheese, and sour cream for a fresh and flavorful taco. Pasta Pizza: Use the cherry tomato pasta as a pizza topping. Spread it over a pizza crust, top with cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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