Hey there! If you’re like me and often want a delicious, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen, then this Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It’s vibrant, packed with fresh flavors, and perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying but not complicated. Seriously, it’s got that perfect balance between fresh and indulgent that makes it so irresistible.

I first made this recipe on a whim when cherry tomatoes were at their peak, and I couldn’t believe how quickly it came together. The beauty of this Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe is that it shouts freshness but takes less time than ordering takeout. Plus, you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients — just a few kitchen staples and some love for those juicy tomatoes.

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Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Simple: You’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients: The blistered cherry tomatoes give it a sweet and tangy punch that brightens the pasta beautifully.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooking the pasta directly in the skillet with water cuts down on dirty pots and pans.
Versatile and Customizable: Easy to tweak with whatever herbs or toppings you have on hand, making it perfect for any occasion.

A close-up view of a white pan filled with short, tube-shaped pasta mixed with chopped cherry tomatoes and a light orange sauce with green herbs. A dark spatula is stirring the pasta, showing the sauce's smooth texture with bits of tomato and herbs. The pasta looks soft and glossy, covering most of the pan’s surface with small pools of sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients you choose. Each one adds a layer of flavor that comes together beautifully to create a dish that’s fresh, rich, and satisfying every time.

Dry pasta: Use your favorite shape, but I like long strands like spaghetti or linguine because they soak up the sauce wonderfully.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce, helping to bring out all the natural flavors.
Garlic: Fresh and thinly sliced, it gently infuses the olive oil for that fragrant base without overpowering the dish.
Extra-virgin olive oil: The heart of the sauce, giving it silkiness and richness—don’t skimp on quality here.
Cherry tomatoes: When blistered, they burst with sweetness and create a luscious, slightly chunky sauce.
Fresh basil leaves: Adds a bright herbal freshness that keeps the sauce balanced and aromatic.
Freshly ground black pepper: Just the right touch of spice to round out the flavors.
Parmesan cheese: For grating over top, it adds a savory, nutty finish that makes this pasta truly special.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I absolutely love making this pasta as is, but feel free to get creative! It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages you to personalize it based on what you have or what you’re craving. Trust me, there are so many ways to make it your own and still end up with a killer dinner.

Variation: One time, I added a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick, which added a lovely warmth without stealing the spotlight from the tomatoes.
Vegetarian and Vegan: Just skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative, and this pasta is just as delicious and friendly to all diets.
Seasonal Twists: During winter, swap cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or even roast some sun-dried tomatoes to deepen the flavor.
Add Protein: Toss in some cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or even toasted pine nuts for extra texture and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta Right in the Pan

This is a little trick I love to save time and washing up: place your dry pasta in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, then cover it with water and add a generous pinch of kosher salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat and stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick. Cook until just shy of al dente — about a minute less than the package suggests — because the pasta will finish cooking once it hits the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Blister Tomatoes

While the pasta cooks, warm 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add your thinly sliced garlic. Stir frequently and don’t let the garlic brown — you want it soft and fragrant, which takes about 3 minutes. Then add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring now and then, until they begin bursting. I love pressing them gently with the back of a wooden spoon to help release all that juicy goodness. Keep cooking for about 15 more minutes until the sauce is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

Step 3: Toss Pasta with Sauce and Finish Strong

Once your pasta is almost perfectly cooked, reserve about a cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Add the pasta directly into your tomato sauce pan, increase heat to medium-high, and toss everything together vigorously. The reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce, making it silky and well-coated on every strand. Finish it off by stirring in your chopped fresh basil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and drizzling the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top. A generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before serving brings it all home.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Good Olive Oil: The flavor of your olive oil really shines here, so choose one you love drinking straight.
Don’t Overcook Garlic: Watch carefully and remove from heat once garlic softens to avoid bitterness.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is your sauce’s best friend for a silky finish that clings perfectly to noodles.
Gently Press Tomatoes: Pushing the tomatoes helps release natural juices faster and creates a luscious sauce without needing extra steps.

How to Serve Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with short tube-shaped pasta coated in a red tomato sauce with visible green basil leaves mixed throughout. The pasta and sauce layer fills the bowl evenly and looks fresh with a slight shine. In the bowl, there is a silver fork resting on the right side, partially inside the pasta. The bowl sits on a dark wooden surface beside a block of pale yellow cheese, bright red cherry tomatoes, green basil leaves, and a whole garlic bulb near the top right corner. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like topping this pasta with a little extra fresh basil and a good amount of freshly grated Parmesan—because why not? Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a sweet tang. Fresh basil really elevates it, giving that fresh garden punch with every bite.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple, I often serve it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, also make a great partner for this meal if you want to add some extra nutrients without fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m making this for friends or a casual date night, I sometimes pile the pasta high on colorful plates and sprinkle fresh herbs all over. Serving it family-style in a big skillet right at the table adds a cozy vibe and lets everyone help themselves to more cheese and basil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce tends to thicken overnight, so before reheating, I add a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen it back up and keep the noodles from drying out.

Freezing

While I usually prefer this pasta fresh, you can freeze the sauce on its own for up to 2 months. Just cool it completely, pop it into a freezer-safe container, and thaw in the fridge before reheating with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warm the sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat and add a bit of reserved pasta water or olive oil to bring back that luscious texture. Toss in freshly cooked pasta or gently reheat the pasta with the sauce to avoid it drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes for this Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are perfect for their size and sweetness, grape tomatoes make a good substitute, especially if they’re in season. If you only have larger tomatoes, you can quarter them and adjust cooking time to get the same burst and saucy consistency.
Is it necessary to cook the pasta in the pan with water?

It’s a clever method to save time and reduce dishes but not mandatory. You can cook the pasta in a separate pot following package instructions, then drain and add it to the sauce. Just keep some pasta water handy to adjust sauce consistency.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the sauce?

Keep your heat at medium and stir frequently once the garlic goes into the oil. You want it soft and fragrant without turning brown because burnt garlic tastes bitter. Removing the pan from heat briefly if it starts to overheat can help.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use your favorite vegan cheese alternative. The pasta and blistered tomato sauce are naturally vegan-friendly and delicious on their own.

Final Thoughts

This Fast and Easy Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for a reason. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but takes little effort, perfect for weeknights, casual dinners, or even impressing friends without breaking a sweat. I hope you’ll try it soon — it’s a little reminder that simple, fresh ingredients can create something genuinely satisfying and memorable. Grab your skillet, some cherry tomatoes, and let’s get cooking!