5-Ingredient Cherry Tomato Pasta – Easy Italian Dinner
This 5-Ingredient Cherry Tomato Pasta is a light, fresh, and flavorful dish made with bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil. A simple weeknight favorite ready in under 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2–3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, parmesan (vegan or regular)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they burst and soften, 6–8 minutes.
- Add pasta to the skillet, toss to coat, and add a splash of pasta water to create a sauce.
- Stir in fresh basil, season to taste, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta as needed.
- Add chili flakes or vegan cheese for variation.
- Can be made ahead and reheated gently.