Easy Summer Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Easy Summer Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is a fresh and light dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the best roasted cherry tomatoes. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Refreshing Summer Drink and No-Bake Dessert.
Why This Easy Summer Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Is Pure Comfort
- Fresh and light flavors
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for summer cookouts
What You'll Need for Easy Summer Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb (450g) pasta
- 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Red pepper flakes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- pasta: Use any shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Pasta Pot — Ensures even cooking and makes draining easy. → See on Amazon
- Garlic Press — Makes mincing garlic quick and easy. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Summer Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
- Roast the tomatoes: Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Make the sauce: In a large pan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil. Add roasted tomatoes, pasta water, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toss the pasta: Add cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (optional). Serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Summer Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente for the best texture.
- Tip: Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Tip: Save pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Storing & Reheating Easy Summer Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can roast the tomatoes and cook the pasta ahead of time. Toss them together just before serving.
Freezing Easy Summer Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a large pan to toss the pasta with the sauce to ensure even coating.
- Best substitution: Substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes if needed.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Want to level up this recipe?
Basil Chopper — Makes chopping basil quick and easy. Pays for itself vs takeout. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Summer Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pasta
- 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Seasonings
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Roast the tomatoes: Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Make the sauce: In a large pan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil. Add roasted tomatoes, pasta water, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toss the pasta: Add cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (optional). Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a large pan to toss the pasta with the sauce to ensure even coating.
- Best substitution: Substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes if needed.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: You can roast the tomatoes and cook the pasta ahead of time. Toss them together just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Summer Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil FAQs
Yes, see storage notes for make-ahead tips.
You may have overcooked the pasta or not reserved enough pasta water. See pro tips for prevention.
No, this recipe requires roasting the tomatoes in the oven.
Grape tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger group.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Summer Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
