Name: Cherry Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 200 g (7 oz) linguine; • 650 g (1.7 lb) cherry tomatoes, halved; • 5 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (divided); • 4–5 small thyme sprigs; • 40 g (½ small onion), minced; • 5 garlic cloves, minced; • 1 tsp dried oregano; • 10–12 fresh basil leaves, torn if large; • Sea salt, to taste; • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; • ⅓ cup reserved pasta cooking water (optional)

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Cherry Tomato Pasta
Cherry Tomato Pasta is a vibrant and easy-to-make dish bursting with fresh, juicy tomato flavor and fragrant herbs — perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a light, elegant lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Name

Vibrant and Fresh: The roasted cherry tomatoes deliver a bright, juicy burst in every bite.
Hands-On Simplicity: No need for complex sauces—just roast, blend, sauté, and combine with pasta.
Flavorful Balance: Aromatics, herbs (thyme, basil), and pasta water create a saucy, well-rounded dish.
Quick & Satisfying: From prep to plate—this pasta is ready in minutes, yet deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

(Rewritten for clarity and detail)

200 g (7 oz) linguine
650 g (1.7 lb) cherry tomatoes
5 Tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil (2 Tbsp for roasting, 3 Tbsp for cooking)
4–5 small sprigs thyme
40 g (about ½ small onion), finely minced
5 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tsp dried oregano
10–12 fresh basil leaves (tear in half if large)
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
Optional: set aside ⅓ cup of the pasta’s cooking water to help loosen and enrich the sauce later

Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Recipe Name

Preheat & prep pasta
- Preheat the oven to 220 °C (430 °F).
- Cook linguine for 1–2 minutes less than package instructions and reserve ⅓ cup of pasta water.
Roast the tomatoes
- Halve cherry tomatoes, place in a roasting pan, drizzle with 2 Tbsp olive oil, season with salt.
- Roast for 10–15 minutes until slightly blistered. Transfer half to a bowl; leave the rest in the pan.
Blend into sauce
- Combine roasted tomatoes and pan juices with thyme in a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth.
Sauté aromatics
- Warm the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a nonstick skillet.
- Sauté the minced onion over medium-low heat until it softens, then stir in the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
Combine and season
- Pour the blended tomato sauce and the reserved pasta water into the pan, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the basil and dried oregano; cook for 1 minute.
Mix pasta and serve
- Add the cooked linguine and the reserved roasted cherry tomatoes, tossing everything together until well-coated in the sauce.
- Serve immediately with freshly ground pepper on top.

Helpful Tips

Why save pasta water? Its natural starches create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Customize texture: Blend the sauce to your desired smoothness—go chunky for a rustic feel or smooth for elegance.
Adjust seasoning gradually: Tomatoes vary in sweetness and brightness—tasting before adding salt is wise.
Roast to build flavor: Let the cherry tomatoes blister and caramelize for maximum sweetness.

Substitutions And Variations

Pasta types: Swap linguine for spaghetti, penne, or capellini. Each soaks the sauce differently.
Herbs: Thyme can be replaced or complemented with oregano, parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Cheese add-in: Stir in some mozzarella pearls or grated Parmesan at the end—as seen in variations—is delightful.
Citrus twist: Add zest or juice of lemon to brighten the flavors, similar to other summer cherry tomato pasta styles.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For best results, gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or water to revive the pasta’s texture.
If meal prepping, consider storing the sauce and pasta separately to maintain ideal consistency and prevent sogginess.

Nutritional Information

While precise nutritional data depends on exact brands and quantities used, here are some comparable estimates:

Very Well Fit (generic cherry tomato pasta): ~424 kcal per serving — Carbs: 40 g / Fat: 26.3 g / Protein: 13 g
Cherry Tomato & Basil Penne: ~436 kcal per serving — Balance: 60% carbs, 26% fat, 14% protein; also provides potassium and iron.
FeelGoodFoodie estimate (simple tomato pasta): ~403 kcal — Carbs: 54 g / Fat: 16 g / Protein: 12 g

Based on these, each serving of your recipe likely ranges ~400–450 kcal, with a satisfying mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats from olive oil, and some protein.

Serving Suggestions

Finish with brightness: A drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil or a few fresh basil leaves at plating adds elegance.
Pair it well: Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Elevate with crunch: Try chopped walnuts or pine nuts for added texture—similar to a minimalist Washington Post–styled version.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Tomato Pasta

Q: Can I use other tomato varieties if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
Yes! Grape tomatoes work just fine, or even quartered Roma or beefsteak tomatoes—though the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.

Q: Is this dish gluten‑free or vegan?
Absolutely! Use gluten‑free pasta for a GF version. To make it vegan, skip cheese or use a plant-based alternative—it’s delicious either way.

Q: How can I make the sauce spicier or more herbaceous?
Add red pepper flakes while cooking or garnish with extra fresh basil, thyme, or oregano to enhance flavor.

Q: What’s the benefit of roasting tomatoes vs. cooking them on stove?
Roasting intensifies sweetness, caramelizes the tomatoes, and adds smoky depth. It’s an easy way to boost flavor without extra work.

Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The blended sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated, ready to combine with pasta when you’re hungry. Add pasta water to adjust consistency when reheating.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for trying out this Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe! It’s a personal favorite—simple yet full of summer flavor, effortless to prepare, and bursting with vibrant delight. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen when you’re craving something light, lush, and comforting. From the roasted tomato sweetness to the aromatic herbs and silky sauce, this dish celebrates ease and taste in equal measure. Wishing you many joyful meals filled with flavor, and so grateful to have you as part of this food-loving community—enjoy every mouthful!

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