Imagine a dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite—a vibrant, flavorful pasta sauce bursting with the sweetness of blistered cherry tomatoes and the aromatic kick of garlic. This Blistered Tomato Pasta Sauce is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and Italian culinary tradition, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering. With just a handful of simple ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you can elevate your pasta game to gourmet status. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s dive into this easy yet impressive recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste, 1 pound of pasta, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1/4 cup of olive oil to the skillet and let it warm up for about 1 minute.
- Once the oil is hot, add the 2 cups of cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the tomatoes for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to blister and burst open.
- Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and become fragrant without burning.
- Once the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic is fragrant, reduce the heat to low. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, plate the pasta and sauce, garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your delicious blistered tomato pasta sauce!
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, flavorful cherry tomatoes for the best results. The sweetness of the tomatoes is key to a delicious sauce.
- Don’t Rush the Blistering: Allow the tomatoes to blister properly in the skillet. This caramelization enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, add more for an extra kick!
- Pasta Water is Your Friend: Reserve some pasta water before draining. It’s a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Fresh Basil is Essential: Don’t skip the fresh basil garnish! It adds a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully.
- Experiment with Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese just before serving.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
