Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly blistered cherry tomatoes cascading over silky gluten-free pasta, bursting with vibrant Italian flavors that transport you straight to a sun-drenched Mediterranean kitchen. This incredibly simple yet sophisticated dish proves that gourmet cooking doesn't require complicated techniques or hours of preparation. Whether you're a gluten-free foodie, a busy home cook, or someone who craves restaurant-quality meals without leaving your kitchen, this Blistered Cherry Tomatoes Pasta is about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Measure out 8 oz of gluten-free pasta, 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, and gather 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Set aside salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the gluten-free pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and allow it to warm for about 1 minute.
- Add the 2 cups of cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to blister and burst. This will enhance their flavor and create a delicious sauce.
- Once the tomatoes are blistered, add the minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the blistered tomatoes and garlic.
- Toss the pasta in the skillet with the tomatoes, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing everything together until well combined.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the blistered cherry tomatoes pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your delicious gluten-free Italian dish!
Tips
- Choose high-quality, ripe cherry tomatoes for the most intense flavor. Look for tomatoes that are firm but have a deep, rich color.
- Don't rush the blistering process. Let the tomatoes develop those beautiful charred spots by maintaining medium heat and resisting the urge to constantly stir.
- Reserve pasta water is your secret weapon! The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps the ingredients bind together beautifully.
- Use fresh garlic and mince it finely to ensure even distribution and prevent burning.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a small amount of grated Parmesan (if not strictly dairy-free) when serving.
- Fresh basil is crucial - chop it just before garnishing to maintain its bright, aromatic qualities.
- If you prefer more heat, adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. Start with the recommended amount and add more gradually.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
