This Easy Marinated Cherry Tomato Pasta is a colorful and tasty dish! With juicy cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh herbs, it’s a burst of flavor in every bite.
Making this pasta is a breeze! Just toss everything together and let the tomatoes soak up all those yummy flavors. I love serving it fresh—perfect for warm days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Feel free to use any pasta shape you love! Spaghetti and linguine are classic choices, but penne or farfalle work great too. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used if needed.
Cherry Tomatoes: For maximum flavor, use ripe cherry tomatoes. If they’re not in season, grape tomatoes are a solid alternative. You could even use larger tomatoes, just chop them into smaller pieces!
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil brings aromatic flavor to the dish. If you don’t have it, you could substitute with parsley or oregano. Dried herbs can also be used, just adjust the amount as they’re more concentrated.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but fresh provides a much fresher taste.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan adds a lovely salty richness, feel free to skip it for a dairy-free dish. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute to still create a cheesy flavor!
How Do I Marinate the Tomatoes for the Best Flavor?
Marinating the tomatoes lets the flavors blend beautifully. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, pepper, and chili flakes in a bowl.
- Toss everything to coat the tomatoes evenly. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 20-30 minutes.
- This resting time allows the tomatoes to soften a bit and absorb all the flavors.
Don’t skip this marinating step—it makes a world of difference!
Easy Marinated Cherry Tomato Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
- 1/2 tsp salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10-15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25-30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Tomatoes:
In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Toss everything together until the tomatoes are well coated. Let this mixture marinate for at least 20-30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully!
2. Cook the Pasta:
While the tomatoes are marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
3. Combine the Pasta and Tomatoes:
Transfer the drained pasta to the bowl with the marinated tomatoes. Gently toss everything together until well mixed. If the dish seems a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a nice sauce.
4. Final Touches:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Stir one last time to combine all the yummy flavors.
5. Serve:
Plate the pasta and garnish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy your fresh, vibrant marinated cherry tomato pasta!
This dish is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavors—perfect for lunch or dinner!
FAQ for Easy Marinated Cherry Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, linguine, penne, or farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free options work well too, just follow the cooking instructions on the package!
How Long Can I Keep Leftover Marinated Tomato Pasta in the Fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it’s too dry, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to bring back the moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the marinated cherry tomatoes a few hours ahead and let them sit at room temperature to soak up the flavors. Cook the pasta just before serving for the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil, parsley or oregano can be used as alternatives. Dried herbs are also a good option; just use them sparingly, as they are more concentrated in flavor.
