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A light and refreshing Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce that comes together in minutes. This Tomato Pasta has it all – a little heat sprinkled in with bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes.
My passion for pasta knows no boundaries. It’s an endless love affair! Every time I think I’ve consumed too much, my taste buds beg for more.
Beyond my love for classic pasta dishes, I also enjoy the challenge of adding whatever fresh ingredients I happen to have in the fridge.
Sneaking a few of my favorite sweet cherry tomatoes into my weekly pasta intake? That’s how I know I’ve found the perfect balance in my life! This is truly a tomato pasta sauce you’re going to crave.
Table of Contents
The Best Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
The beauty of this cherry tomato pasta sauce? There’s a sweet burst of flavor from every bite of cherry tomato, but it’s perfectly balanced with a little kick from the red pepper flakes.
Cherry tomato pasta is so easy because these tiny tomatoes pack a big flavor punch! They are less acidic and a little sweeter than larger tomatoes, but the nutrient value is the same. Less slicing and dicing means more time to savor this delicious tomato pasta!
When it comes to our weekly pasta tradition, simple is simply the best! This easy cherry tomato pasta is made with a short list of ingredients. You’ll need to make quality choices because the simplified sauce means every ingredient will shine!
The freshness of your ingredients matters. Make sure to use fresh produce and quality cheese for the best results.
This recipe makes one of the best Summer Dinner Ideas! Don’t skip these incredible Summer Appetizers, too.
Tomato Pasta Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes – Also known as grape tomatoes.
- Butter – Salted or unsalted, your preference.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a little heat to this simple dish.
- Tomato Sauce – Canned.
- Fresh Mint – Offers fresh, summer flavor. No mint? No problem. Substitute with fresh basil.
- Ricotta Cheese – Add a dollop for a nice creamy texture.
How To Make Cherry Tomato Pasta
- Prepare Pasta – Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare noodles. (Get all my secrets for delicious homemade pasta right here!)
- Make Tomato Sauce – Meanwhile, in a large saucepan on medium heat, melt butter. Add crushed red pepper. Sauté cherry tomatoes until they begin to soften. Add half of the mint leaves. Reduce heat to medium low while you finish cooking your pasta.
- Toss – Add noodles to your saucepan and toss.
- Garnish – Add a little pasta water to thin sauce if desired. Serve with a large dollop of ricotta cheese and fresh mint leaves.
You can see just how easy this recipe is by watching the video in the recipe card. Get full printable instructions in the recipe card below. Enjoy!
Tips
- If you want to take this tomato pasta sauce over the top, use my homemade egg noodle recipe
- Never overcook your pasta. That perfect al dente texture is everything!
- Saving a little of your pasta water really makes a difference – it helps bring your sauce to the perfect consistency. The warm salted water is ideal!
- Want more protein? Add some chicken spiedini!
To Store
Allow to cool and store refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days. Top with fresh mint and ricotta.
I hope you enjoy this easy weeknight dinner recipe for cherry tomato pasta sauce as much as I do. Please leave a 5 star rating in the comments below!
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Cherry Tomato Pasta with Tomato Pasta Sauce
A light and refreshing Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce that comes together in minutes. This Tomato Pasta has it all – a little heat sprinkled in with bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes.
Yield
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter salted or unsalted
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 30 cherry tomatoes halved
- 6 ounces tomato sauce
- 8 mint leaves chopped
- ½ cup ricotta
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add crushed red pepper and sauté for 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes. Sauté about 2 minutes, until tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce and simmer on low for 2 minutes.
- Add half of the chopped mint leaves. Stir in and remove from heat.
- Toss sauce with strained pasta.
- Garnish with a dollop of ricotta and remaining mint.
Tips
Substitutions and Variations
- Cherry Tomatoes – Also known as grape tomatoes. Can substitute chopped tomatoes if you prefer.
- Butter – Salted or unsalted, your preference.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Can substitute pepperocino. Use more red pepper for additional heat.
- Mint – Substitute with fresh basil.
- Ricotta Cheese – Substitute with mascarpone or burrata.
- Pasta – Use your favorite shape or make homemade egg noodles.
Tips
- Prepare Al Dente – Never overcook your pasta.
To Store
Refrigerate – Allow to cool and store refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days. Top with fresh mint and ricotta.Video
Nutrition Information
Calories: 372kcal (19%), Carbohydrates: 61g (20%), Protein: 11g (22%), Fat: 9g (14%), Saturated Fat: 5g (25%), Cholesterol: 20mg (7%), Sodium: 235mg (10%), Potassium: 461mg (13%), Fiber: 3g (12%), Sugar: 5g (6%), Vitamin A: 930IU (19%), Vitamin C: 21.8mg (26%), Calcium: 34mg (3%), Iron: 2mg (11%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Sara Welch says
What a light and satisfying dish for a spring dinner!
Allyson Zea says
This pasta is soooo delicious!
Courtney O'Dell says
So easy, and so much flavor! We will be making this again and again
Erin says
So comforting and those little tomatoes are sweet and perfect every time!
Anna says
This looks absolutely delicious! I have to try it soon, because I am craving it instantly haha. I honestly don’t understand people who give up pasta, I could never do that. I’ve recently switched to more expensive and better quality brands too, and it is a completely different experience than a supermarket pasta.
Thanks for the recipe!