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Cherry Tomato Pasta with Garlic Basil Oil You’ll Crave All Season.

Published: Nov 12, 2026 by Kori Butler · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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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.

Cherry tomato pasta with roasted cherry tomato sauce, crumbled feta and a drizzle of garlic basil oil.
Jump to:
  • The backstory.
  • It's a must-make.
  • Let’s talk texture and flavor.
  • What you'll need.
  • Customize it your way.
  • Flexible dietary swaps.
  • How to make feta cherry tomato pasta.
  • How to serve it.
  • Kori's tips.
  • FAQs
  • More mostly meatless meals.

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

How do you store cherry tomato pasta?

Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze the cherry tomato sauce?

Yes. Freeze the roasted tomato sauce on its own, then thaw it and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

How do I reheat cherry tomato 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.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

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.

📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

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! 🙂

Want more easy dinners? Grab my FREE 5-night mostly meatless dinner plan and get new recipes in your inbox.

Cherry tomato pasta with roasted cherry tomato sauce, crumbled feta and a drizzle of garlic basil oil.

Pasta with Cherry Tomato Sauce and Garlic Basil Oil

This isn’t your basic tomato sauce. Roasting cherry tomatoes with garlic, balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme concentrates their flavor, and a final drizzle of basil oil adds a fragrant, herby finish. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
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Print Recipe
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 5 servings
Calories 541 kcal

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

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
TIPS: Use a mix of colorful cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Roast everything in a single layer so the tomatoes caramelize instead of steaming. Don’t skip the pasta water, it helps the sauce cling to every piece of pasta. Crumble the feta over just before serving so it stays fresh and slightly creamy.
VARIATIONS: Swap the orecchiette for rigatoni, fusilli or even couscous. Add sautéed spinach, roasted zucchini or grilled eggplant to boost the veggies. Stir in white beans or chickpeas for plant-based protein. Want it spicy? Drizzle with chili oil or add extra red pepper flakes.
MAKE IT FLEX: Top each bowl with sliced grilled chicken or seared shrimp, or stir in browned Italian sausage.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. It also makes a delicious lunch the next day: reheat gently with a splash of olive oil.

Nutrition

Calories: 541kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 16gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 432mgPotassium: 649mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1101IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 126mgIron: 3mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a star rating and a comment below. Your feedback helps me and my readers.

© 2026 Flexitarian Eats

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Kori Butler, founder of Flexitarian Eats

Hey there, I'm Kori.

I'm a culinary school-trained chef specializing in holistic wellness and nutrition. Here at Flexitarian Eats, I share mostly meatless recipes for real life: make-ahead breakfasts, hearty bean and lentil dinners, and filling soups and salads, with room for meat whenever you want it.

More about me

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