Creamy Cherry Tomato Pasta (20-Minute Vegetarian Dinner)

Juicy blistered cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of cream come together in this Creamy Cherry Tomato Pasta—a quick, vibrant, and delicious vegetarian meal ready in just 20 minutes. This recipe is the perfect way to turn a humble bowl of pasta into a flavor-packed, satisfying dish that’s both light and comforting.

Whether you’re looking for healthy vegetarian dinner recipes, trying to figure out what food to make with tomatoes, or just want a quick tomato sauce pasta recipe that doesn’t require hours of simmering—this one’s for you.

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Why You’ll Love This Pasta

• Quick: Ready in 20 minutes flat

• Uses fresh, seasonal ingredients

• Creamy without being heavy

• Great for lunch or dinner

• Perfect for vegetarians or tomato lovers

With just a few pantry staples and a pint of cherry tomatoes, you’ll have a pasta dish that tastes like summer in a bowl.

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Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Pasta

• Short shapes like penne, orecchiette, or fusilli work best to catch the sauce.

• Spaghetti or linguine are also great if you prefer longer noodles.

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free if needed.

Cherry Tomatoes

• The stars of the dish! Their natural sweetness intensifies when blistered.

• Grape tomatoes also work.

Garlic

• Adds a punch of flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet tomatoes.

Olive Oil

• Used to roast/sauté the tomatoes and garlic, forming the base of the sauce.

Heavy Cream or Greek Yogurt

• Just a splash adds silkiness and balance to the acidity of the tomatoes.

• For a lighter version, use milk or coconut cream.

Parmesan Cheese

• Melts into the sauce, adding umami and richness.

• Use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.

Fresh Basil

• Brightens the dish and complements the tomatoes.

• Optional, but recommended.

Salt & Pepper

• Essential for seasoning the sauce and balancing acidity.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Creamy Cherry Tomato Pasta in 20 Minutes

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook 8 oz pasta until al dente.

• Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Sauté Cherry Tomatoes

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.

• Add 2 cups cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt.

• Let them blister and burst—this takes about 6–8 minutes.

• Use the back of a spoon to gently press a few tomatoes to release juices.

3. Add Garlic and Season

• Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir for 1 minute.

• Season with black pepper and optional red chili flakes for heat.

4. Make It Creamy

• Lower heat and add:

  • ¼ cup heavy cream or plain Greek yogurt

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)

• Stir until creamy and the sauce clings to the back of a spoon.

5. Toss Pasta with Sauce

• Add cooked pasta to the skillet.

• Toss to combine and coat evenly in the creamy tomato sauce.

• Use a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Top with chopped fresh basil, more Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.

• Serve immediately while warm and glossy.

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Customizations & Add-Ins

Make It Vegan

• Use unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream in place of dairy

• Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese

Add Protein

• Stir in white beans, lentils, or crispy tofu for a protein boost

• Add grilled shrimp or chicken if not vegetarian

Vegetable Additions

• Stir in spinach or kale to wilt at the end

• Add roasted zucchini or eggplant for a heartier meal

Spice It Up

• Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of smoked paprika, or harissa for a kick

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Best Ways to Serve This Pasta

This quick healthy pasta dinner works for:

• Weeknight meals

• Meatless Mondays

• Summer lunches or light dinners

• Leftovers for lunch the next day

Pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread

• Roasted asparagus or green beans

• A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

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Nutrition & Health Notes

This recipe is naturally:

• Vegetarian

• Low in sugar

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes

• Easily made gluten-free or vegan

Estimated Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 425–475

• Protein: 12–15g

• Carbs: 40–45g

• Fat: 18–22g

• Fiber: 4–5g

Add a protein source for a more balanced meal.

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FAQ: Creamy Cherry Tomato Pasta

1. Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, grape tomatoes work just as well—they’re slightly less sweet but roast and blister beautifully.

2. Can I make this dish without cream?

Absolutely! You can use a splash of milk, Greek yogurt, or a vegan alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but just use gluten-free pasta to make it GF.

5. What pasta shapes work best?

Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells are ideal. Long noodles like spaghetti or linguine also work well.

6. Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. Make fresh for best results.

7. What herbs can I use besides basil?

Try parsley, thyme, or fresh oregano for a different herb profile.

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