An impressive yet easy recipe, this pasta with sautéed cherry tomatoes is a perfect example of how simple ingredients should not be underestimated. Juicy cherry tomatoes are the star of this tasty dish which is the perfect side to a variety of meals. Or you can add some protein to enjoy it as a meal all on its own.
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The next time you're looking to add something to your current side dish rotation, let it be this recipe.
This simple cherry tomato pasta dish is uncomplicated (as is this Lemon Rice) yet impressive.
Made with just handful of ingredients, it is a quick dish that you can pull together in a matter of minutes yet it tastes like it must have taken much longer (as does this Spinach Pasta).
The cherry tomatoes cook down into a thick and juicy sauce (similar to this tomato jam) that is honestly so good, I could eat it without the pasta!
And the overall fresh flavors in this pasta recipe pair wonderfully with almost anything you decide to serve it with. Or it makes a great all in one meal with the addition of a protein.
So let's make some sautéed cherry tomatoes pasta!
The Ingredients
- Brown Rice Pasta- I prefer using brown rice whole grain pasta (which makes this recipe gluten free) but whole wheat pasta or another choice will also work. I often make this with spirals but any pasta shape can be used.
- Cherry Tomatoes- Grape tomatoes will work as well. I don't recommend using large tomatoes as you won't get the same texture. Plus, I find cherry tomatoes often have more flavor (which is what makes this cherry tomato soup so scrumptious).
- Avocado Oil- Another cooking oil or butter will also work for sautéing the tomatoes.
- Garlic- You can use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder in place of fresh garlic cloves if you prefer.
- Sea Salt- Table or kosher salt will work as well- adjust to taste.
- Balsamic Vinegar- A bit of acid brightens and brings all of the flavors together in this simple pasta dish (as it does for this Eggs in Purgatory sauce). In a pinch, you can use red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or lemon juice instead.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Use good quality as this is what adds some creaminess to the sauce so you'll notice it if you use an oily tasting one. If you don't need it dairy-free, you can use butter instead (it adds fantastic flavor!).
The Method
1. Cook pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions to al dente. Give it a quick stir a couple of times to prevent clumps. Drain pasta reserving a cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
2. Sauté Tomatoes. Meanwhile, in a large non-stick skillet, heat the oil over medium and add the tomatoes.
Allow to sit for 3 minutes undisturbed to allow them to start to blister.
Once the skins are lightly blistered, stir in the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Then stir in the water, balsamic vinegar and salt.
Cover and cook for 6-7 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and use the back of a spoon to break them (careful as the juices from inside can splatter).
3. Combine. Once the tomatoes are all soft and jammy, reduce the heat to medium low and stir in the cooked pasta and ¼ cup pasta water if needed.
Cover and cook for 2 minutes until warmed through, adding more pasta water as necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
Remove from the heat and stir in the olive oil (or butter).
4. Serve. Garnish with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese as desired.
Leftovers and Storage
To Store: Store leftover cherry tomato pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: This pasta dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Rewarm in a skillet over medium low heat with a splash of water (2-4 tbsp) for 5-10 minutes until heated through, stirring often. It can also be reheated in the microwave.
Make it Your Own
- Add More Vegetables- If you would like to up the vegetables in this dish, you can sauté them in the oil until nearly softened before adding the tomatoes. Some good options would be:
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- Bell Peppers
- Add Greens- If you'd prefer to incorporate leafy greens instead, you can stir them in after adding the water. Some great options would be:
- Spinach
- Swiss Chard
- Kale
- Make it Cheesy- Stir in 2 ounces of crumbled soft cheese or shredded medium cheese at the same time as the pasta. Try using:
- Goat Cheese
- Feta
- Mozzarella
- Turn it Into a Main Course- Add a cooked and diced or shredded protein at the same time as the pasta for an all in one meal. Some ideas:
- Chicken
- Shrimp
- White Beans
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
Serving Ideas
Garnish this simple pasta dish with:
- Chopped Fresh Herbs such as parsley and basil
- Additional Fresh Cherry Tomatoes
- Parmesan Cheese
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Cracked Black Pepper
And try serving it with:
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin
- Herb Roasted Cod with Cherry Tomatoes
- Roast Whole Chicken
- A Side of Garlic Bread
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Recipe Card
Pasta with Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 6 oz brown rice pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil good quality or butter
Instructions
- Cook pasta as per package directions to al dente, stirring a couple of times while it is cooking to prevent clumps. Drain, reserving 1 cup water.
- Meanwhile, in a large non-stick skillet, heat the oil over medium and add the tomatoes. Allow to sit for 3 minutes undisturbed to allow them to start to blister.
- Once the skins are lightly blistered, stir in the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then stir in the water, balsamic vinegar and salt.
- Cover and cook for 6-7 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and use the back of a spoon to break them (careful as the juices from inside can splatter).
- Once the tomatoes are all soft and jammy, reduce the heat to medium low and stir in the cooked pasta and ¼ cup pasta water if needed. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through, adding more pasta water as necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the olive oil.
- Serve garnished with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
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