This 5-Ingredient Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta is the ultimate quick and flavorful meal. Made with ripe cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and freshly grated parmesan, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes. The cherry tomatoes create a naturally sweet and silky sauce, making it a perfect light yet comforting dinner for any night of the week. It’s simple, fresh, and totally satisfying.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes
• 4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ½ lb dry pasta (spaghetti, bucatini, or penne rigate)
• 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. In a cold skillet, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and garlic. Heat over medium, stirring frequently for about 2–3 minutes, until garlic softens but doesn’t brown.
3. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook over medium-low for 8 minutes, stirring and gently pressing on tomatoes to release their juices.
4. While tomatoes cook, boil pasta until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
5. Add chopped basil to the tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper.
6. Add drained pasta and about ⅓ cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Turn heat to high and toss vigorously until sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
7. Turn off the heat, stir in Parmesan and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
8. Plate and garnish with extra basil and Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving, estimated for 2 servings)

• Calories: ~620
• Fat: ~32g
• Carbohydrates: ~65g
• Protein: ~21g
• Sugar: ~8g
• Fiber: ~5g
• Sodium: ~380mg

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact

What makes this cherry tomato pasta so remarkable is its simplicity. With just five core ingredients—cherry tomatoes, garlic, pasta, basil, and Parmesan cheese—you get a full spectrum of flavor. Cherry tomatoes are the star of the show, creating a naturally sweet and slightly tangy sauce as they burst and soften in olive oil. Garlic adds a rich aroma and subtle heat, while the fresh basil brings in a fragrant herbal note that instantly brightens the dish. Parmesan cheese adds depth and savory richness, rounding out the flavors with its nutty, salty profile. The result is a pasta that feels indulgent without being heavy and sophisticated without being complicated.

Why Cherry Tomatoes Work So Well

Cherry tomatoes are the secret weapon in this pasta. Naturally sweet and juicy, they require no peeling, chopping, or fancy prep. As they cook, their skins soften and their juices release, forming a silky, light sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Their small size makes them perfect for quick cooking, and their flavor intensifies with just a few minutes of heat. When gently smashed in the pan, they break down into a luscious base that rivals any slow-simmered tomato sauce. Plus, their vibrant red color gives the dish an appetizing visual appeal that feels summery and fresh, no matter the season.

Garlic That Melts Into the Sauce

Slicing garlic thinly and cooking it gently in olive oil ensures that it doesn’t overpower the dish but instead infuses the oil with a warm, aromatic flavor. When done right, the garlic becomes soft and fragrant, almost melting into the tomato sauce as it simmers. This technique allows the garlic to enrich the overall flavor of the dish without any bitterness or sharpness. It’s a small step that makes a big difference, adding layers of flavor to the minimal ingredient list.

The Perfect Pasta Pairing

This recipe is versatile when it comes to the pasta you choose. Spaghetti offers that classic twirl-worthy feel, while bucatini brings a slightly chewier bite and a hollow center that traps sauce beautifully. Penne rigate or any short pasta works well too, especially for heartier servings or when feeding a crowd. The key is to cook the pasta just until al dente so it maintains a firm texture and absorbs the sauce without getting mushy. Reserving a bit of pasta water is also essential, as it helps bind the sauce to the noodles and adds a glossy finish that brings everything together.

Fresh Basil: The Finishing Touch

No tomato-based pasta dish is complete without a generous handful of fresh basil. The herb’s naturally sweet, peppery aroma plays perfectly off the acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the cheese. It’s stirred into the sauce just before serving to preserve its freshness, and a few leaves can also be added on top as a garnish. Basil gives the dish a lightness and freshness that lifts the whole flavor profile, making it taste garden-fresh and incredibly aromatic.

A Cheese That Complements, Not Overwhelms

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds the finishing touch to this cherry tomato pasta. Its nutty, slightly salty taste enhances the sauce without overwhelming it. Stirred in at the end, it melts into the warm pasta and thickens the sauce, creating a velvety coating on every bite. It also adds a boost of protein and umami, making the dish feel more complete and satisfying. For a vegan twist, nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan substitute can be used, offering a similar depth of flavor.

Perfect for Busy Nights or Relaxed Weekends

This dish is as practical as it is delicious. It comes together in one skillet and one pot, making cleanup minimal. It’s fast enough for weeknights when you need something quick but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. Yet it’s also elegant enough for slow weekend dinners, paired with a glass of wine and a slice of crusty bread. The speed and ease of the recipe don’t diminish its sophistication—this is a dish that feels like a treat, even when it takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish.

Customizable and Diet-Friendly

The beauty of this cherry tomato pasta lies in its flexibility. You can easily add ingredients to make it heartier or tailor it to your dietary needs. Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans for extra protein. Stir in spinach or arugula for greens, or swap the pasta for gluten-free or whole grain versions to suit specific preferences. Even the cheese can be omitted or substituted for plant-based alternatives. The base recipe is solid, and its simplicity makes it a great jumping-off point for creative variations.

A Light but Comforting Choice

Despite being rich in flavor, this dish is relatively light in terms of ingredients and nutrition. The olive oil and cheese provide healthy fats, while the tomatoes bring antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C. The use of fresh ingredients makes the dish feel wholesome and clean, while the pasta offers enough carbs to keep you full and energized. It’s a great balance of indulgent and nutritious—a pasta that leaves you feeling comforted, not weighed down.

Conclusion

This 5-Ingredient Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly delicious. With just cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, Parmesan, and pasta, you can create a vibrant, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, fresh, and creamy. It’s a dish that’s quick enough for a rushed evening and impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Keep it in your back pocket for those nights when you need something effortless yet elegant—and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.