Enjoy the simplicity of creamy cherry tomato pasta, where fresh, plump tomatoes blend seamlessly with velvety cream and rich Parmesan for a dish that's both comforting and flavorful. This recipe elevates your pasta night with a touch of basil and an optional kick of chili flakes, offering a feast that's as delightful to the palate as it is easy to prepare.
Creamy Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- Pasta: ½ lb (225g) rigatoni (or any pasta you prefer)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 12 oz (350g)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (13g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoon (26g)
- Cream: 1 cup (235 ml) (substitute with vegetal cream for a vegan version)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 oz (30g), finely freshly grated (use vegetarian hard cheese for a vegan version)
- Pasta Cooking Water: ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Basil: 1 teaspoon (3g)
- Chili Flakes: ½ teaspoon (1.5g) (optional)
- Salt and finely ground pepper: to taste
Instructions
Boil the Pasta:
- Fill a pot with water and add a generous amount of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until it's "al dente," which means it's still slightly firm to the bite.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, and set it aside.
Make the Tomato Sauce:
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add cherry tomatoes to the pan with the garlic. Cook them until they become tender. You can gently press and crush the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon as they cook to help release their juices and flavor.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook it along with the tomatoes to add richness and depth to the sauce.
Incorporate Cream and Seasonings:
- Pour in the cream.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, basil, and chili flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the tomato sauce.
- Grate or sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
- Add the reserved pasta water to help create a smooth and silky sauce. This starchy pasta water can also enhance the texture of the sauce.
Finish and Serve:
- Stir everything together until the sauce is well incorporated and the pasta is coated with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Vegan version: Substitute dairy cream with vegetal cream and use vegetarian hard cheese instead of Parmesan.
- Pasta cooking water: A bit of the starchy water helps improve the sauce’s texture.
- Add-ins: You can include additional protein like chicken or vegetables such as spinach to tailor the dish to your preference.
This delicious pasta can be made in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. Enjoy your creamy cherry tomato pasta!
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