Smooth, rich, and bursting with fresh flavors, this cherry tomato pasta is everything a simple meal should be—easy to make, full of fresh ingredients, and absolutely delicious.

Juicy cherry tomatoes blister in a buttery garlic sauce, releasing their natural sweetness while keeping some whole for that perfect pop in every bite.

A touch of red pepper flakes adds warmth, while Parmesan melts into the glossy sauce, coating each strand of pasta in velvety goodness.

Fresh basil ties it all together, bringing a light and herby finish that makes this dish feel bright and balanced.

The nice thing? It all comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Let’s get into the details and make this incredible pasta!

Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 250g fettuccine or linguine (or any long pasta)
• 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 ¾ cups whole cherry tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn or whole

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and set it aside.
2. In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
3. Add the whole cherry tomatoes to the pan. Stir them occasionally, allowing them to blister and soften, about 5-7 minutes. As they cook, gently press down on some of them with the back of a spoon to release their juices.
4. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, oregano, and dried basil. Stir everything well so the tomatoes absorb the seasoning.
5. Lower the heat slightly and pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring gently to create a light sauce. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add the drained pasta directly into the pan and toss well to coat it in the sauce.
7. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and well incorporated. This gives the pasta a creamy, glossy finish.
8. Remove from heat and top with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a little freshly ground black pepper.

Tips For The Best Creamy Cherry Tomato Pasta

To make sure your pasta turns out rich, creamy, and full of flavor, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Use ripe cherry tomatoes: The sweeter and juicier the tomatoes, the better the sauce will taste. Avoid unripe or dull-colored ones.
• Don’t burn the garlic: Cook it on low heat for just 30 seconds until fragrant. If it turns brown, it will taste bitter.
• Let some tomatoes burst: Pressing a few with a spatula while cooking helps release their juices, making the sauce extra flavorful.
• Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly and may affect the texture of the sauce.
• Adjust spice levels: If you like heat, add more red chili flakes. If serving kids, you can skip them.
• Save some pasta water: It helps loosen the sauce and makes it stick to the pasta better. Add a little at a time until you get the right consistency.
• Stir in basil at the end: Cooking it too early will make it lose its fresh flavor. Add it just before serving for the best taste.

Variations For Cherry Tomato Pasta

If you want to switch things up, here are a few delicious ways to change this recipe while keeping all the creamy goodness:

• Add grilled chicken: Sliced or shredded chicken adds protein and makes it a heartier meal.
• Use shrimp: Lightly sauté shrimp in butter and garlic, then mix it in with the pasta for a seafood twist.
• Try different cheeses: Instead of parmesan, you can use pecorino, mozzarella, or ricotta for a different flavor and texture.
• Make it extra creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer, thicker sauce.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta: Swap the regular pasta for whole wheat or a gluten-free version if needed.
• Add roasted vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms add extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make it lighter: Skip the heavy cream and use a splash of milk or a dairy-free alternative instead.

What To Serve With Cherry Tomato Pasta?

Pair this pasta with these simple side dishes for a complete meal:

• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Side salad
• Grilled chicken
• Baked salmon
• Soup (like tomato or vegetable soup)

How To Store Leftover Cherry Tomato Pasta?

Storing cherry tomato pasta properly helps keep it fresh and tasty for later. Whether you want to save leftovers for the next day or meal prep for the week, here’s how to do it:

• Let it cool first: Before storing, allow the pasta to cool to room temperature. Storing it while hot can create excess moisture, making it soggy.
• Use an airtight container: Transfer the pasta to an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other food smells from the fridge.
• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some sauce, so adding a little olive oil before reheating can help restore its texture.
• Freezing (optional): If you want to store it for longer, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. However, freezing may slightly change the texture of the tomatoes and pasta.
• Reheating: Warm it up in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to bring back the moisture. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.