15-Minute Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta

Quick and easy cherry tomato basil pasta with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil comes together in just 30 minutes for a low-fuss, last-minute weeknight meal!

15-Minute Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil

Last night was one of ‘those evenings’; energy levels were at 25% (and the lure of takeout at 70%), which is where cherry tomato basil pasta came in to save the day. With just a handful of inexpensive ingredients we always have on hand, it’s easy to pull together this surprisingly simple pasta dish in just 15 minutes.

This crowd-pleasing cherry tomato pasta is bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of cherry tomatoes, earthy garlic, and aromatic basil for a dish that perfectly highlights summer flavors but can easily be enjoyed year-round thanks to readily available cherry tomatoes.

It’s fresh, healthy, bright, loaded with antioxidants, and ready in three simple steps. You can even adapt or add to it in several ways to fit your flavor, diet, and macro goals. That includes adding spice, plant protein, vegan cheese, veg, and more.

Looking for more simple vegan pasta ideas? Check out our 20-minute creamy tahini pasta, avocado pesto pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta salad, or quick homemade spaghettiOs.

The Ingredients and Substitutes

What Could I Add to Cherry Tomato Pasta?

• Red pepper flakes: Add to taste for some spice in the basil and garlic pasta.
• Sugar: If the tomatoes are too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
• Vegan cheese: Sprinkle over some nutritional yeast (check out this guide to nutritional yeast) for a subtle ‘cheesy’ flavor, use a specific vegan parmesan, or make vegan tomato, basil, and vegan mozzarella pasta.
• Protein: Add some butter beans, chickpeas, quick crispy pan-fried tofu, vegan chick’n, etc.
• Lemon: A small amount of lemon zest and juice brightens tomato basil pasta’s flavors.
• Vegan cream cheese: Unflavored – for a creamier pasta sauce.
• Vegetables: There are several ways to add more flavor, color, and nutrients, such as:
  • Peas/ corn (frozen, added towards the end)
  • Spinach (several handfuls added towards the end)
  • Leek (Sauteed until tender)
  • Zucchini (ditto above)
  • Black olives (halved for briny tang)

How to Make Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta

3 simple steps and 15 minutes are all you need to get this simple, delicious cherry tomato and basil pasta from kitchen to table.

The more you chop the tomatoes, the more they will break down naturally to create more of a tomato basil sauce with fewer ‘chunks.’

For more blistered tomatoes (especially If leaving some whole), don’t stir them too often so they have a chance to char/blister – this can take 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the pasta, pasta water, and basil, then season with salt to taste, serve, and enjoy!

Pro Recipe Tips

• Don’t drain the pasta water: This starchy water will help the pasta sauce cling to the noodles. You can even store unused pasta water for an extra day or 2 in the fridge.
• Cook the pasta al dente: Especially if you plan to have leftovers, since it will further soften while it sits. To do so, cook it for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. It should be tender with just a little ‘bite.’
• Adjust the texture: You can mash just a portion or all of the tomatoes.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic: Otherwise, it can add a bitter flavor to the entire dish. To avoid it entirely, add garlic to the pan only once the tomato skins begin splitting.
• To save time: Cook the tomatoes in a separate pan while the pasta cooks. It means an extra pan to wash but shaves a few minutes off the prep time.

What to Serve with Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta?

Like most pasta dishes, this simple pasta with fresh basil and tomatoes can be enjoyed alone or with one or several sides like:

• Bread – no-knead bread, baguette, flatbread, garlic bread, vegan focaccia bread , etc.
• Simple side salad – like a garden salad, vegan Caesar salad, kale salad, arugula salad, etc.
• Steamed, roasted, or grilled vegetables – like broccoli (we love oven-charred broccoli), sauteed asparagus with lemon, green beans, etc.

How to Store and Reheat

Allow the cherry tomato pasta to cool, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can enjoy the leftovers chilled or reheated.

You can technically also freeze it for 3-4 months, though pasta becomes very soft upon thawing, and you might want to add extra fresh basil when reheating.

Reheat the pasta with basil and tomato gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in a microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.