Introduction
Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta is a simple, vibrant, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. With sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a rich garlic-infused olive oil sauce, this dish captures the essence of fresh ingredients. The bright red tomatoes and fresh green basil not only offer a beautiful color contrast but also provide a fresh and light flavor profile, making this pasta the perfect meal for a special evening. It’s easy to prepare, full of heartwarming flavors, and ideal for serving alongside a crisp salad or a side of garlic bread.
I remember the first time I made this for a cozy dinner with my partner. The aroma of garlic and basil filled the kitchen, and the burst of flavors with each bite made it feel like a truly special occasion. What’s great about this dish is how easy it is to make, yet it feels elegant and thoughtful. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the fragrant basil, and the richness of the olive oil sauce come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just enjoying a quiet evening together, Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta is sure to impress and warm your heart!
Perfect for:
- Valentine’s Day dinner
- Romantic date nights
- Celebrating love with light and fresh dishes
- Quick and impressive weeknight meals
- Summer evenings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta will become your go-to pasta dish for a romantic night in:
- Fresh and Light: The cherry tomatoes offer a burst of sweetness, while the basil adds a fragrant, aromatic element to the dish.
- Vibrant Colors: The red tomatoes and green basil create a visually stunning contrast, making it perfect for a special occasion.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking method, this dish is perfect for a romantic yet stress-free dinner.
- Perfectly Balanced: The blend of garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes creates a beautifully balanced sauce that complements the pasta perfectly.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish is entirely vegetarian, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings (perfect for a romantic dinner)
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 65g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for your Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice (preferably whole wheat or gluten-free for variation)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or vegan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Ingredient Highlights
- Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet tomatoes burst with flavor when cooked, offering a juicy, refreshing contrast to the savory sauce.
- Basil: Adds an aromatic freshness that brightens up the dish.
- Garlic: Provides a savory base for the sauce, infusing the olive oil with rich flavor.
- Olive Oil: A key ingredient in creating a light yet flavorful sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for a bit of heat, but it balances out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta:
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and burst open.
- Season: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Toss the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, if needed.
- Add Basil: Stir in the torn basil leaves and cook for another minute, allowing the basil to wilt slightly and infuse the dish with its fresh aroma.
Serve and Garnish:
- Serve: Plate the pasta in two servings.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or vegan cheese, if desired. Add a few extra basil leaves for garnish and a drizzle of olive oil.
How to Serve
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a light arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with homemade or store-bought garlic bread for a hearty, satisfying accompaniment.
- With White Wine or Sparkling Water: For a refreshing drink, serve with a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or zest for a citrusy twist.
Additional Tips
- Add Extra Veggies: If you’d like, toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more flavor and color.
- Make it Spicy: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
- Use Fresh Pasta: Fresh pasta can give the dish a softer, more delicate texture.
- Vegan Option: For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Cherry Tomato & Spinach Pasta
- Garlic and Herb Cherry Tomato Pasta
- Vegan Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta
- Creamy Cherry Tomato Pasta (add a splash of coconut milk or cream)
- Roasted Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta
- Lemon Cherry Tomato Pasta (with a squeeze of fresh lemon)
- Spicy Cherry Tomato Pasta (add more red pepper flakes or chili peppers)
- Cherry Tomato & Mozzarella Pasta
- Gluten-Free Cherry Tomato Pasta
- Cherry Tomato & Pesto Pasta
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce for up to 1 month. Cook the pasta separately when you’re ready to serve.
- Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
Special Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for making the sauce
- Tongs or pasta spoon for tossing the pasta
- Grater for Parmesan or vegan cheese
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any type of pasta will work, such as penne, fusilli, or linguine.
- Can I make this ahead of time? While the pasta is best fresh, you can prepare the tomato sauce and store it for later. Simply reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
- Can I add protein? You can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
- Can I use dried basil instead of fresh? Fresh basil offers the best flavor, but if dried basil is all you have, use about 1 teaspoon instead.
- Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes? Yes, but cherry tomatoes provide a sweeter and more concentrated flavor.
Conclusion
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the light, fresh flavors of Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta. This vibrant, easy-to-make dish combines the sweetness of ripe cherry tomatoes with the aromatic freshness of basil, creating a simple yet heartwarming meal. Perfect for sharing with someone special or enjoying as a solo treat, it’s a delicious way to show love through food.
The balance of flavors in this pasta will leave you craving more, making it the ideal dish for a cozy Valentine’s dinner. With its colorful presentation and bright, savory taste, this dish is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
I’d love to see how your Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy the love-filled meal!