Fresh Tomato Pasta: Bursting with Flavor (No Jarred Sauce Needed!)
Fresh Tomato Pasta: Bursting with Flavor (No Jarred Sauce Needed!)
Effortless Fresh Tomato Pasta Made with Cherry Tomatoes
Craving tomato pasta but only have cherry tomatoes and no jarred sauce? No problem! We’ll show you how to make a vibrant, fresh tomato pasta using just your fresh tomatoes. We’ll mash the tomatoes as they cook in the pasta water to create a luscious sauce right in the pan. Get ready for a delicious homemade pasta experience!
Pasta Ingredients- 1 serving of pasta (approx. 100g)
- 15 cherry tomatoes
- 6 shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 onion
- 5 cloves garlic
- 3 dried red chili flakes (peperoncino)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
- A pinch of dried basil
- A pinch of black pepper
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the aromatics. Thinly slice 5 cloves of garlic. Slicing the garlic allows its flavor to infuse beautifully into the olive oil.
Step 2
Next, finely chop 1/4 of an onion. Chopping the onion coarsely will add a pleasant texture and bring out its natural sweetness when sautéed.
Step 3
Wash and halve 15 cherry tomatoes. Halving them helps them break down more easily when cooked, creating a lovely sauce base.
Step 4
Bring a pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 serving of pasta and cook for about 8 minutes, or 1 minute less than the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this will be used to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Step 5
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, allowing their flavors to meld into the oil.
Step 6
Once the onion is softened and fragrant, add the 6 shrimp to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, which indicates they are cooked through.
Step 7
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the shrimp. Continue to cook, stirring gently, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
Step 8
When the tomatoes have released their liquid, pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Use a spoon or spatula to gently mash the tomatoes as you stir. This process helps to create a fresh, natural tomato sauce. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 9
Add the crushed dried red chili flakes for a touch of heat, a pinch of dried basil for aroma, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 10
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
Step 11
Finally, finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Your delicious, fresh tomato pasta is ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately.
