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a bowl of pasta with tomatoes and basil.
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5 from 1 vote

Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe

Fresh, sweet, and absolutely delicious, cherry tomatoes add a beautiful depth of flavor to a simple pasta sauce!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course, pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4 bowls
Author: Becky Hardin

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces dry penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter (¼ stick)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 10 ounces cherry tomatoes washed and halved (1 container)
  • 14.5 ounces Italian style petite diced tomatoes (1 can)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil plus more for garnish
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions, then strain and set it to the side.
    16 ounces dry penne pasta
    ingredients for penne pasta with tomatoes and basil.
  • While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and then add the garlic.
    2 tablespoons salted butter, 2 teaspoons minced garlic
    a frying pan with tomatoes, garlic, basil and other ingredients.
  • Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant, and then add the cherry tomatoes.
    10 ounces cherry tomatoes
    a frying pan with tomatoes, basil and garlic.
  • Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes or until the tomatoes are softened and begin to char.
    a frying pan with tomatoes, pasta and garlic.
  • Add in the can of tomatoes, stir well and bring everything to a simmer.
    14.5 ounces Italian style petite diced tomatoes
    a pan with tomato sauce, pasta and other ingredients.
  • While the sauce is simmering, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to form a smooth liquid.
    1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon cold water
    a bowl of pasta, tomatoes and garlic.
  • Simmer the sauce for 4-5 minutes, and then slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the sauce.
    a pot of tomato sauce with pasta and other ingredients.
  • Stir in the chopped basil and allow the sauce to come to a boil, and cook for 1 minute.
    1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
    a pan with tomato sauce and pasta on a white background.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and add in the cooked pasta.
    penne pasta in a pan with tomatoes and herbs.
  • Gently toss together and serve hot with extra basil and fresh parmesan cheese, optional.
    Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    penne pasta with tomatoes and basil in a pan.

Video

Notes

Storage: Store cherry tomato pasta sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 527kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 196mg | Potassium: 718mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 769IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 3mg