• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Living Lou

Simple, fresh and flavorful recipes.

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Press & Media
    • Send me a Message
  • About
Home » easy » Pasta with cherry tomatoes and garlic

Pasta with cherry tomatoes and garlic

Published: Sep 13, 2016 · Modified: Mar 10, 2022 by Louisa Clements · This post may contain affiliate links

This post may contain affiliate links

A simple vegetarian recipe for pasta with cherry tomatoes and garlic with chili flakes, lemon zest and fresh basil. This is easy weeknight dinner is ready in 20 minutes and will be a hit. 

Pasta with cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil. | livinglou.com
Jump to Recipe
20 minutes minutes 44 Comments

There are few things I love more than a big bowl of pasta. And this recipe, with cherry tomatoes slow cooked in olive oil so that they become sweet and jammy, is one of those perfect bowls of pasta you will want to eat over and over again.

With loads of garlic, zippy lemon zest and chili flakes, and finally finished off with fresh basil, this dish tastes like summer. Even in the middle of winter.

The flavour gets developed for slowly sautéing garlic, chili flakes and lemon zest. This creates a flavourful oil which becomes the base of the sauce, and what we cook the cherry tomatoes in. (If you want to try a different technique, you could also roast cherry tomatoes and toss them with pasta, for an equally delicious pasta dish).

I like to sauté half of the lemon zest in the olive oil at the beginning and save the other half to add at the end.

This creates a complex flavour in the finished dish that is both sweet, bright with a touch of bitter.

Pasta with cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil. | livinglou.com

Cherry tomatoes are an ingredient that I always have in my fridge. They are great for adding to salads, or roasting with gnocchi in the oven–they also make a quick and delicious afternoon snack.

When I was in Italy a few years ago what struck me the most in the dishes that I ordered at restaurants was the simplicity of them; the individual ingredients really shone. You could tell everything that was in a dish and why.

As a cook, I found that incredibly inspiring, and that’s what lead me to create this easy pasta recipe.

How to create a velvety cherry tomato pasta sauce

The trick to creating a velvety smooth, restaurant-worthy pasta sauce has two steps. First of all, you should use more olive oil than you think. Always add an extra splash or two, you won’t regret it.

The second trick is to save some of your pasta water before draining your pasta. After all Martha Stewart says pasta water is the secret to superior sauce. This is because pasta water is loaded with leftover starch from your pasta.

Adding the starchy water to your sauce acts as a binder and thickener. I like to use tongs to scoop my pasta directly from its cooking water into the pan with the cherry tomatoes; this transfers some of the starchy water at the same time..

If you’re wondering what to do with a bunch of cherry tomatoes, look no further.

Pasta with cherry tomatoes and garlic

Author: Louisa Clements
3.98 from 106 votes
A simple vegetarian recipe for pasta with cherry tomatoes and garlic with chili flakes, lemon zest and fresh basil. This is the perfect weeknight dinner that is ready in 20 minutes!
Pin Print
Prep: 10 minutes minutes
Cook: 10 minutes minutes
Total: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • ¾ lb 340g linguine, reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 lemon, zest only
  • 2 pints of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced basil
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Heat a large saute pan over medium heat, add olive oil, garlic, chili and half of the lemon zest. Cook for about 4 minutes or until garlic starts to turn golden brown and oil has a yellowy-orange hue. Reduce heat to low, add cherry tomatoes and salt, cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until tomatoes are blistered, have softened and are starting to become jammy.
  • Add pasta to tomatoes, add reserved pasta water, ¼ cup at a time until sauce coats the pasta (you may not need all the pasta water). Toss with remaining lemon zest, basil and parmesan cheese and serve.
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment + rating and let me know what you think!
Filed Under: Dinner Recipes, easy, Pasta, quick recipes, Summer, vegetarian
Nutrition Facts
Pasta with cherry tomatoes and garlic
Amount Per Serving
Calories 451 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 6mg2%
Sodium 277mg12%
Potassium 705mg20%
Carbohydrates 74g25%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 16g32%
Vitamin A 1364IU27%
Vitamin C 57mg69%
Calcium 119mg12%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is an estimate and is provided for informational purposes only. If you have any specific dietary concerns, please consult with your healthcare practitioner.


Let me know if you give this recipe for pasta with cherry tomatoes and garlic a try in the comments below.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

Reader Interactions

3.98 from 106 votes (96 ratings without comment)

Leave a Review Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Rate this recipe: ☆☆☆☆☆

Comments

  1. Chery

    March 28, 2024 at 5:47 pm

    The reviews are so positive. I have all the ingredients for this. Can't wait to make ths recip
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      April 21, 2024 at 11:33 am

      Thanks Chery, I hope you enjoy!
      Reply
  2. CJ Maclin

    December 11, 2023 at 10:10 pm

    3rd time making this. So simple, pure & refreshing. 10 out of 10, thanks!!
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      December 17, 2023 at 8:52 pm

      So glad that you are enjoying this recipe, CJ! Thank you for letting me know. Happy cooking!
      Reply
  3. Michelle

    August 22, 2023 at 8:18 pm

    Excellent recipe and a great way to use up a lot of cherry/grape tomatoes 🍅 for us gardeners. Thank you so much!
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      October 02, 2023 at 10:24 am

      So glad you enjoyed, Michelle! Such a great way to use those delicious and sweet garden tomatoes!
      Reply
  4. Janis

    July 01, 2023 at 7:36 pm

    not tried yet but plan to. looks and sounds terrific. doesn't have bad calories at all! thanks for sharing...
    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      August 13, 2023 at 11:10 am

      Thanks Janis, I hope you enjoy! Let me know how it goes.
      Reply
  5. Melissa Baker

    July 01, 2023 at 11:05 am

    Bookmarked this!
    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      August 13, 2023 at 11:10 am

      Thanks Melissa! I hope you enjoy, let me know how it goes!
      Reply
  6. Philip John Jones

    May 04, 2022 at 3:58 pm

    Very simple, very tasty
    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      May 08, 2022 at 8:11 pm

      So glad you enjoyed Philip! Thanks for letting me know.
      Reply
  7. Timothy Gann

    April 21, 2022 at 7:56 pm

    Got the chili flakes mixed Up with red pepper flakes and it made the recipe interesting to say the least. Still delicious just with a massive kick.
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      May 08, 2022 at 8:14 pm

      A little extra spicy for sure! I'm glad that you still were able to enjoy Timothy!
      Reply
  8. Nancy

    January 28, 2022 at 6:23 pm

    This recipe was absolutely delicious 😋 I will definitely be making this often!
    Reply
  9. fabio

    September 16, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    Do NOT refrigerate your tomatoes tho. That is your fatal flaw here. Should be left out at room temp.
    ★★★☆☆
    Reply
  10. Alexina

    April 08, 2021 at 2:02 pm

    Make this one regularly, amazing amazing recipe!!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      April 11, 2021 at 11:48 am

      Love that you love this recipe! One of my favourites as well.
      Reply
  11. Shirley Clements

    May 31, 2020 at 4:32 pm

    My favourite pasta recipe & easy to make!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  12. Randicohen

    June 23, 2019 at 6:38 pm

    Love this recipe. I’ve made it four times so far!!
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      June 24, 2019 at 2:46 pm

      I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you for letting me know. :)
      Reply
  13. Shirley Clements

    June 21, 2019 at 7:10 pm

    Must try this Living Lou delicious pasta sauce again! It’s my all-time favourite!
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      June 24, 2019 at 2:47 pm

      It is an all-time favourite! So yummy!
      Reply
  14. Shirley Clements

    July 29, 2018 at 7:44 pm

    This recipe is truly my favourite pasta sauce! It’s light & soooo flavourful! Must make it soon again!
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Lou

      August 11, 2018 at 11:19 am

      So glad to hear that! :)
      Reply
  15. Antonia

    July 17, 2018 at 12:11 am

    This was amazing. So simple, but packed with flavour. Oops, just realized I forget the hot pepper flakes and I like some heat in my food,but didn't miss it. Will definitely make again.
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Lou

      August 11, 2018 at 11:21 am

      Thanks Antonia, I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thanks for letting me know.
      Reply
  16. Nancy Savala

    August 13, 2017 at 2:26 pm

    love this recipe have cooked to several times i add heavy cream, capers and italian sausage. thanks so much
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Lou

      August 17, 2017 at 10:30 pm

      Thanks Nancy, I'm so glad that you love this recipe! The cream, capers and Italian sausage would be delicious additions!
      Reply
  17. Susan

    June 22, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    Made this dish today. and it is fabulous! The flavors and aroma are wonderful and my EXTREMELY picky teenage daughter gave me "permission" to make it again LOL! Thank you :)
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Lou

      June 25, 2017 at 10:14 am

      Hi Susan, I'm so glad that you and your daughter loved this recipe. Thank you for letting me know. :)
      Reply
  18. Amy Taylor

    May 08, 2017 at 5:21 pm

    This looks great! Will be giving this a go, if you ever want to check out my healthy and cheap meals give my blog a look iprefercooking.wordpress.com
    ★★★☆☆

    3 stars

    Reply
    • Lou

      May 14, 2017 at 10:21 pm

      Thanks Amy! :)
      Reply
  19. Little Cooking Tips

    April 07, 2017 at 6:27 am

    Simple, easy, quick and delicious: what's not to like in this recipe? Fantastic dish dear Lou! We're so making this tomorrow for lunch! Have a great weekend! Mirella and Panos
    Reply
    • Lou

      April 09, 2017 at 10:18 am

      Thank you Mirella and Panos! I hope that you enjoy this dish, it's one of my favourites.
      Reply
  20. Shirley

    October 30, 2016 at 5:21 pm

    And, I'm making it again!
    Reply
  21. Helen

    October 29, 2016 at 7:12 am

    Hi Lou, enjoy your blog! I make a similar pasta every summer when cherry tomatoes show up at my local farm store. I add sweet onion, red bell pepper, and a splash or two of balsamic vinegar. Depending on the acidity of the tomatoes, I might add a tsp of sugar. And I use some salt to taste as well. I love cooking it until the tomatoes pop, and squish them down to make them a little saucier. I always make more sauce than I can use on the pasta, because I love putting the leftovers on a piece of good whole grain sourdough toast for a quick snack!
    Reply
    • Lou

      November 02, 2016 at 7:18 pm

      Hi Helen, that sounds delicious! I tend to add a touch of sugar to my tomato sauces as well depending on the acidity of the tomatoes. Love the idea of putting the leftovers on a piece of sourdough -- yum!
      Reply
  22. Shirley

    September 26, 2016 at 10:30 am

    I made this recipe & I love, love, love it! Thanks, Living Lou!
    Reply
    • Lou

      October 06, 2016 at 6:36 am

      So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know! :)
      Reply
  23. Shirley

    September 14, 2016 at 9:48 am

    This is exactly the pasta sauce that I have been looking for! I am going to make it tonight! know I will love it! I love my "comfort zone" as well but it is good to venture outside of it (often) & I'm happy to know that you ventured outside of yours & are having a great summer! Keep these awesome recipes coming!
    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Lou!

Hi, I'm Louisa Clements & welcome to Living Lou. I've been creating simple, fresh & flavorful recipes for the modern kitchen for 14 years.
Learn More

Let’s connect

Living Lou

Copyright © 2025 Living Lou | Privacy

  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Contact
  • About

Footer

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.