If there's one thing that can elevate a simple pasta dish to culinary heights, it's a vibrant and flavorful sauce made with cherry tomatoes. Bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, cherry tomatoes are not only versatile but also quick to cook, making them perfect for those weeknight dinners when you crave something homemade yet effortless. Here are 7 delicious cherry tomato spaghetti sauce recipes that you have to try. 🌱
Classic Cherry Tomato Spaghetti
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There's something inherently comforting about the classics. This version uses ripe cherry tomatoes to make a simple, yet luxurious sauce.
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Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 750g cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
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Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, aiming for al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add cherry tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let them cook until they burst, forming a sauce.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Mix the drained spaghetti with the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
<p class="pro-note">💡 Note: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor profile.</p>
Garlic and Herb Cherry Tomato Sauce
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=garlic and herb spaghetti" alt="Garlic and Herb Spaghetti"> </div>
For those who love aromatic herbs and the robust flavor of garlic, this sauce is a must-try.
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Ingredients:
- 500g cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for serving
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Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a roasting pan, toss the tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 20-30 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and have started to caramelize.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Remove tomatoes from the oven, mash slightly to create a chunky sauce, and mix with the drained pasta.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan if desired.
<p class="pro-note">🌿 Note: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness, making this dish delightfully complex in flavor.</p>
Balsamic Glazed Cherry Tomato Pasta
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Add a touch of sophistication to your spaghetti with this balsamic glaze that complements the cherry tomatoes beautifully.
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Ingredients:
- 450g cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 400g spaghetti
- Salt, pepper, and fresh thyme to taste
- Optional: grated pecorino romano
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Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet and add garlic, cooking until fragrant but not brown.
- Add cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and sweetener. Simmer on low until tomatoes soften and the glaze forms.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti until al dente.
- Combine pasta with the tomato glaze, add fresh thyme, and adjust seasoning.
- Serve with grated cheese if you wish.
Creamy Cherry Tomato and Basil Sauce
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=creamy cherry tomato pasta" alt="Creamy Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta"> </div>
For those days when you crave something creamy yet light, this sauce is perfect.
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Ingredients:
- 300g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
- 400g spaghetti
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions:
- In a large pan, heat the oil and cook shallots and garlic until soft.
- Add tomatoes, cook until they release their juices, then stir in cream.
- Cook pasta to al dente, then mix with the sauce, adding basil at the last minute.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Cherry Tomato Combo
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=sun dried tomato pasta" alt="Sun-Dried Tomato and Cherry Tomato Pasta"> </div>
The combination of sun-dried and fresh cherry tomatoes gives this dish a unique depth of flavor.
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Ingredients:
- 150g sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 300g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 400g spaghetti
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Grated parmesan, optional
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Instructions:
- Sauté garlic in oil until aromatic, then add sun-dried and fresh tomatoes, cooking until they're tender.
- Deglaze with wine or broth.
- Cook spaghetti to al dente, then toss with the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and parmesan.
Spicy Cherry Tomato Arrabbiata
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If you like a bit of heat with your pasta, this fiery Arrabbiata sauce will do the trick.
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Ingredients:
- 500g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust according to your heat preference)
- 400g spaghetti
- Fresh oregano or parsley for garnish
- Optional: Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
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Instructions:
- Heat oil in a skillet, add garlic and pepper flakes, cook until garlic is golden.
- Add tomatoes, cook until they break down and create a spicy sauce.
- Boil spaghetti to al dente, drain, and mix with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and cheese if desired.
Lemon and Thyme Cherry Tomato Pasta
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=lemon thyme tomato pasta" alt="Lemon and Thyme Cherry Tomato Pasta"> </div>
A light, refreshing take on spaghetti, this sauce uses lemon to add a bright note to the tomatoes.
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Ingredients:
- 400g cherry tomatoes, halved
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 400g spaghetti
- Salt and pepper
- Shaved parmesan or lemon zest for garnish
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Instructions:
- Heat oil, then add tomatoes, thyme, lemon zest, and juice, cooking until tomatoes soften.
- Simmer spaghetti until done, then combine with the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning, and garnish with parmesan or more lemon zest.
As we've explored, cherry tomatoes offer an array of possibilities when it comes to creating vibrant, easy-to-prepare pasta sauces. Whether you prefer something classic, creamy, or with a punch of spice, these recipes showcase how simple ingredients can transform into something magical when handled with care. So next time you're at the store, grab those pints of cherry tomatoes, and let them lead your culinary creativity in the kitchen!
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use canned cherry tomatoes for these recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! While fresh cherry tomatoes offer a brighter flavor, canned cherry tomatoes can be a fine substitute, especially when they're not in season. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as canned tomatoes are already partially cooked.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long can I store leftover cherry tomato pasta sauce?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing is also an option, where the sauce can last for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve the flavors.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there a way to make these sauces vegan?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, most of these sauces are inherently vegan or can be easily adapted. Omit the cheese where necessary, and for the creamy versions, use plant-based cream alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>