Cherry tomato pasta is the ultimate way to celebrate fresh tomatoes with minimal effort. Sweet roasted tomatoes, garlic and olive oil blend into a simple yet luxurious sauce that clings to every bite. Finished with a drizzle of garlic basil oil and a sprinkle of feta, it’s a meatless dinner you’ll crave all season long.

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The backstory.
I have a serious soft spot for cherry tomatoes. Every summer I end up with way more than I planned, pints on pints crowding my counter like they’re multiplying overnight. One year, in a desperate attempt to use them up, I roasted a whole tray with garlic and balsamic, and this sauce was born. It’s rich, sweet and a little tangy, with a swirl of basil oil to finish. Toss it with orecchiette and it feels like something from a cozy little trattoria, minus the airfare.
xoxo Kori
It's a must-make.
You’ll want to put this on repeat. It’s loaded with good-for-you ingredients and super easy to make:
- Roasted flavor explosion. Roasted cherry tomatoes turn into a rich, jammy sauce full of depth.
- Fresh and seasonal. Cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil make it a summer favorite you can enjoy all year.
- Customizable. Choose your favorite pasta, cheese and spice level.
- Better-for-you ingredients. Olive oil, tomatoes and herbs make this a feel-good pasta night.
A counter piled high with tomatoes can lead to something seriously delicious.
Let’s talk texture and flavor.
Imagine scooping up tender orecchiette, each little cup cradling sweet, jammy roasted cherry tomato sauce rich with olive oil and garlic. A drizzle of garlic basil oil adds a fresh, herby kick that lifts the whole dish. Creamy, salty crumbles of feta balance the sweetness, and a touch of red pepper flakes adds just enough heat to keep you reaching for the next bite.
What you'll need.
Here’s what you’re going to need to make cherry tomato pasta:
- Fresh basil leaves – bright and peppery, for a vibrant, garden-fresh basil oil.
- Extra virgin olive oil – use a good one, since it’s your finishing oil.
- Cherry tomatoes – they roast into sweet, jammy bursts of flavor. Mix the colors if you can.
- Garlic cloves – roast down into mellow, caramelized bites that melt into the sauce.
- Balsamic vinegar – adds tangy depth to balance the sweet tomatoes.
- Honey – enhances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and helps them caramelize.
- Fresh thyme – an earthy herbal note that complements the roasted flavors.
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper – to season.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – for a little kick.
- Pasta – orecchiette, bucatini, rigatoni or gnocchi all work.
- Feta cheese – or parmesan, for a creamy, salty finish.
For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!
Got more tomatoes to use up? My Cherry Tomato Confit is perfect spooned over toast or pasta, and my Marry Me Tofu Linguine is another creamy, tomato-packed pasta night favorite.
Customize it your way.
Cherry tomato pasta is easy to personalize with what you have on hand:
- Add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms or spinach for an extra boost of veggies.
- Stir in a little cream or mascarpone for a richer, more indulgent sauce.
- Add chickpeas or white beans for plant-based protein.
- Use burrata or goat cheese instead of feta for a creamy, tangy twist.
- Add kalamata olives or capers for a briny pop of flavor.
- Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to deepen the sauce.
- Finish with lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Top with crushed pistachios or toasted pine nuts for crunch.
- Swap the thyme for rosemary, oregano or Italian seasoning.
Flexible dietary swaps.
Cherry tomato pasta is easy to adapt without sacrificing flavor:
- Gluten-free – use gluten-free pasta and check your cheese labels.
- Vegan – swap the honey for maple syrup and use a plant-based cheese.
- Dairy-free – skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Lower sodium – use a reduced-sodium cheese and go light on the added salt.
How to make feta cherry tomato pasta.
This recipe is all about roasting and easy mixing, with as little fuss as possible:
Make the basil oil
Blend the basil, olive oil and a pinch of salt until smooth, then set aside.
Roast the tomatoes
Toss the sauce ingredients in a large bowl, spread them on a baking sheet and roast until the tomatoes are blistered and jammy.
Blend the sauce
Remove the thyme stems and blend everything, juices included, until smooth or chunky, your call.
Cook the pasta
Boil the pasta until al dente, reserving some of the pasta water before draining.
Put it all together
Toss the pasta with the sauce, loosening with pasta water as needed, then stir in the cheese.
Serve
Plate the pasta, drizzle with garlic basil oil and top with fresh basil and extra cheese.
How to serve it.
This cherry tomato pasta is incredibly versatile and always satisfying:
- Serve it warm with garlic basil oil drizzled on top and extra feta or parmesan.
- Add a side of crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
- Spoon it over arugula or baby spinach for a warm pasta salad twist.
- Top it with a poached egg and red pepper flakes for brunch vibes.
- Serve it alongside roasted zucchini, eggplant or bell peppers.
- Pack it for a picnic or weekday lunch.
- Make it flex – serve it alongside grilled chicken, salmon or steak, or toss in seared shrimp.
Kori's tips.
- Don’t skip the garlic basil oil. It adds a fresh, fragrant layer that’s so good.
- Use a high-quality olive oil, since you’ll taste it in the finished dish.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan. Tomatoes roast better with a bit of space.
- Save that pasta water. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
FAQs
Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Yes. Freeze the roasted tomato sauce on its own, then thaw it and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water, stirring until heated through. You can also cover it and bake at 325°F until warm.
Cherry tomatoes give the sweetest, most concentrated flavor, but ripe Roma tomatoes cut into chunks work too. They may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
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Can I ask you a favor?
If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂
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Pasta with Cherry Tomato Sauce and Garlic Basil Oil
Ingredients
Garlic basil oil for finishing:
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves (packed)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
Cherry tomato sauce:
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (preferably a mix of red, yellow, and orange)
- 5 garlic cloves (peeled and smashed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 3 to 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper (to taste)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
To serve:
- 16 ounces orecchiette, bucatini, rigatoni, or gnocchi
- ½ cup feta cheese (or parmesan cheese)
- fresh basil and extra cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
To make the basil oil:
- In a small food processor or with an immersion blender, blend the basil, olive oil and salt until smooth. Add a little more oil if needed. Strain it for a cleaner oil, or leave it rustic.
To make the sauce:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes, smashed garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Transfer everything to a parchment-lined baking sheet and scatter the thyme sprigs on top.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and slightly caramelized and the garlic is golden.
- Remove the thyme stems and transfer everything, juices included, to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, or pulse for a chunkier texture.
To make the pasta and serve:
- Cook the pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- Return the pasta to the pot and stir in the roasted cherry tomato sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta. Warm over medium heat if needed.
- Stir in the feta or parmesan. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.
- Plate and drizzle each serving with basil oil. Finish with a few torn basil leaves and another sprinkle of cheese.
Kori's Tips
Nutrition
© 2026 Flexitarian Eats





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