Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce-Cast Iron Skillet Recipe
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This Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce in a Cast Iron Skillet is so flavorful and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, and a little pasta water makes this simple pasta sauce. This will easily become a regular on your weekly meal planning menu.
Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Similar to my recipe for Cherry Tomato Pasta, this Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce is so refreshing with fresh ingredients. This pasta recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or a simple dinner the whole fam will devour.
This fresh tomato sauce is made in one cast iron skillet and in under 15 minutes. This recipe is the best for those days when you just don’t know what to make, but you want something, quick, fresh, healthy and easy!
Reasons to Love This Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe
Cherry Tomato Sauce is the ultimate, easy homemade pasta sauce recipe. This is why I think you will love it:
- Fresh & Flavorful – Cherry tomatoes are naturally sweet and burst with fresh, vibrant flavor when cooked making the sauce taste delicious.
- Quick & Easy – No peeling or long simmering needed! This pasta sauce comes together in under 15 minutes with very minimal effort.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil..
- Customizable – Adjust the flavors to your family’s liking! Add basil for freshness, red pepper flakes for heat, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a little depth.
- Perfect Texture – Cherry tomatoes break down beautifully, creating a sauce that’s both chunky and silky without needing a blender.
- Pairs with Everything – Serve over pasta, spoon it onto grilled chicken, use it as a pizza base, or even dip crusty bread in it!
- Uses Fresh Tomatoes – Got an abundance of cherry tomatoes from the garden, or bought too many? This is the perfect way to use them before they go bad!
- Smells Amazing! – The aroma of simmering garlic, olive oil, and fresh tomatoes fills your kitchen with pure comfort.
What You Need to Make Cherry Tomato Sauce
- Cherry Tomatoes-the star of this pasta sauce. Cherry tomatoes have bold flavor when cooked and make the best sauce. Grape tomatoes can also be used.
- Garlic-fresh garlic is best and adds so much flavor to this dish
- Olive Oil-a base for this simple pasta sauce recipe, it really adds a smooth flavor.
- Fresh Basil-pick up a fresh basil plant or basil leaves at the grocery store to finish this sauce perfectly.
- Parmesan Cheese-add just before serving for that authentic Italian flavor
- Salt and Black Pepper-rounds out the sweetness from the cherry tomatoes and helps season this sauce.
How to Make Pasta Sauce From Cherry Tomatoes
Make the Sauce
- Cook the Tomatoes– in a large 12 inch enameled cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and cherry tomatoes. Season with salt. Cook and stir for 3-5 minutes, until the tomatoes start to pop and are slightly roasted on the outside.
- Add the Garlic-add in the minced garlic and cook and stir for 30 seconds. It will become nice and fragrant.
- Add Pasta Water-pour in a little water from the pot that the pasta is cooked in to loosen up the sauce.
- Season and Serve-season the sauce with additional salt (if needed), black pepper and fresh basil. Serve with cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese.
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can use 2 cans of diced tomatoes. Pour the cans and all the juices into your pan with olive oil over medium high heat, bring to a simmer, then follow the recipe as written below.
What to Serve With Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
We love to eat this Easy Tomato Pasta Sauce with:
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Other Pasta Recipes You Should Try:
Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
When you have finished Feeding Your Fam this easy dinner, come back and leave me a review here! I can’t wait to hear how this recipe turned out for you!
If you are looking for more detailed recipes and ideas to help with the daily dinner dilemma, or maybe a sweet treat, be sure to follow along with me on YouTube, and if you feel like sharing your masterpieces, be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-5 cloves garlic
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil sliced
- 1/2 cup pasta water
- 1/2 pound cooked pasta noodles
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat, add in 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes, until they just start to burst.
- Use a fork, wooden spoon or masher to smash the tomatoes in the pan.
- Add in the 3-5 cloves garlic and cook and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, season with additional salt if needed and black pepper. Top with 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- Pour in 1/2 cup pasta water and allow the sauce to simmer until the sauce thickens. toss with 1/2 pound cooked pasta noodles and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Notes
- Nutrition facts are just an estimate of the ingredients listed and are provided as a courtesy.
