When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a warm bowl of pasta topped with a flavorful sauce. Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce is a vibrant and simple option that highlights the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, making it a popular family favorite. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this sauce will turn your pasta nights into something special.
Why We Love This Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe
There’s something magical about cherry tomatoes. They’re naturally sweet and juicy, which makes this sauce not only delicious but also full of color and freshness. The ease of preparation means you can whip up this sauce with minimal fuss, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a relaxing weekend meal. Plus, this sauce is not just for pasta; you can use it on pizza, in salads, or as a dip for bread. Once you try it, you’ll find it becomes a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients about Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
To create the perfect Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (such as Sun Gold)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 14 ounces penne pasta
- 0.5 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
How to Make Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce Directions
Making Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. First, heat a saucepan over medium-low heat. In the saucepan, combine 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the sliced garlic. Don’t rush this step; you want to cook the mixture gently until the garlic starts to toast, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent the garlic from burning.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. You’ll notice the tomatoes will begin to burst and collapse within about 10 minutes, releasing their sweet juices and creating a rich base for your sauce. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in the 14 ounces of penne pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook the pasta until it’s tender yet firm to the bite, which should take around 8 to 11 minutes.
After the pasta is ready, drain it but do not rinse the pasta, as the starch will help the sauce adhere better. When the tomatoes are fully burst, stir in the 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano leaves and 0.5 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. To achieve a smooth consistency, use a stick blender to puree the sauce in the saucepan. If you don’t have one, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches, being cautious of the hot liquid.
Once the sauce is blended, add the drained penne into the saucepan. Gently stir to ensure every piece is well coated with the vibrant sauce. Finish by mixing in 0.5 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, adjusting the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. This simple yet delicious sauce, now ready, is meant to be enjoyed immediately.
How to Serve Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Serving Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce comes down to personal preference. You can plate the pasta directly on individual dishes, making sure to drizzle additional sauce over the top. For a touch of elegance, you might want to sprinkle extra grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and even a few fresh oregano leaves as a garnish.
Consider serving this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. The contrast of the warm pasta and the cool salad can elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a meal for one, this dish can adapt to any setting.
Expert Tips: Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
To make the most out of your Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce, here are some expert tips you might find helpful. First, always choose fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are in season, their natural sweetness will shine through in the sauce.
When sautéing garlic, monitor it closely to prevent it from becoming bitter. Once it starts to brown, it’s time to add the chicken broth. If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste.
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream after blending the sauce. This addition will create a richer mouthfeel that many find irresistible. Additionally, feel free to customize the herbs. Basil or thyme can be excellent alternatives to oregano if desired.
How to Store Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Storing your Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce properly ensures its freshness for future meals. If you have leftover sauce, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the sauce. Divide it into portions using freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and it should be good for 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Remember to label your containers with the date so you can monitor its storage time easily. When you are ready to use it, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Variation of Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
One of the beauties of Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce is its versatility. You can explore different variations to keep your meals exciting. For instance, you might want to add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
Feel free to mix in other vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, during the cooking process. If you enjoy a more intense flavor, consider roasting the cherry tomatoes before using them in the sauce. This technique caramelizes the tomatoes, enhancing their sweetness and adding depth to your sauce.
Additionally, for a twist, try swapping out penne for your pasta of choice, whether that’s spaghetti, farfalle, or even gluten-free options. The flavor will remain vibrant and delicious, regardless of the pasta shape.
FAQ
What is Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce?
Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce is a simple and flavorful sauce made primarily from fresh cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, served over pasta, making it a delightful and vibrant dish.
How do I prepare Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce?
To prepare Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce, combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings, then simmer them with chicken broth before pureeing and mixing in cooked pasta.
What can I serve with Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce?
You can serve Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce over any pasta, along with sides such as garlic bread, garden salad, or even roasted vegetables to create a complete meal.
Can I freeze Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce. Store it in airtight containers, and it should be safe for up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
What are some variations to Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce?
You can enhance Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce by adding proteins like chicken or shrimp, mixing in vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or experimenting with different pasta shapes for variety.
Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (such as Sun Gold) Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Use extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- to taste Salt and ground black pepper Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
- 2 cups chicken broth Homemade or store-bought works well.
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves Can be replaced with basil or thyme if desired.
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes Increase for more heat.
- 14 ounces penne pasta Can use any pasta shape of choice.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese For a richer flavor.
Instructions
Cooking the sauce
- Heat a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and sliced garlic in the saucepan.
- Cook gently until garlic starts to toast, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes burst.
Cooking the pasta
- Boil a large pot of lightly salted water.
- Add penne pasta and cook until tender, about 8 to 11 minutes.
- Drain pasta without rinsing.
Finishing the sauce
- Stir in fresh oregano leaves and red pepper flakes.
- Blend the sauce to a smooth consistency using a stick blender or regular blender.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce and stir to coat.
- Mix in grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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