10 Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Garlic and Basil Recipe
A quick and flavorful Cherry Tomato Pasta with Garlic and Basil, ready in just 10 minutes. This simple yet delicious pasta dish combines fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant basil, enhanced with a touch of balsamic glaze and butter, making it perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 200 grams dried pasta (or 300 grams fresh pasta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh Ingredients
- 400 grams cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves
- Parmesan cheese, to serve
- Optional: burrata to top
Other Ingredients
- 70 grams butter, cubed
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-9 minutes for dried pasta or 2-3 minutes for fresh. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt the cubed butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Add Tomatoes and Balsamic Glaze: Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. Stir in the balsamic glaze and continue cooking for another minute to let the flavors meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish with Basil and Seasoning: Tear the basil leaves and fold them gently into the pasta. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and, if using, add burrata on top for an extra creamy touch. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
- For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan and butter or use plant-based alternatives.
- Fresh cherry tomatoes work best, but you can use grape tomatoes as a substitute.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial to adjust the sauce consistency without drying the dish.
- Burrata is optional but adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
