10+ Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipes to Brighten Your Meals
Cherry tomatoes are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes. Making sauce from these sweet fruits is not only simple, but also allows you to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer year-round. Cherry tomato sauce can enhance pasta, grilled meats, or even a slice of bread.
In this article, you’ll discover a variety of cherry tomato sauce recipes to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a quick roasted version or a more traditional simmered sauce, you’ll learn how to create something special in your kitchen.
With just a few ingredients, you can turn cherry tomatoes into a flavorful sauce that will impress your family and friends.
Spaghetti with Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
Making spaghetti with roasted cherry tomato sauce is a delightful way to enjoy fresh flavors. You start by roasting cherry tomatoes in the oven. This brings out their natural sweetness and makes a tasty sauce for your pasta.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a baking dish. Roast them for about 25 to 30 minutes, until they are shriveled but still juicy.
While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes.
You might want to add a sprinkle of fresh basil or grated cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Spaghetti
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Grated cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Drain pasta and mix with roasted tomatoes.
- Serve with fresh basil or grated cheese if desired.
2) Balsamic Glazed Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta
This dish is quick and full of flavor. You can make it in about 20 minutes. The combination of cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze makes for a delicious meal.
Start by cooking your favorite pasta. While it cooks, sauté minced garlic in olive oil. Add halved cherry tomatoes and let them simmer. Stir in balsamic glaze for a rich, tangy sweetness.
Once the pasta is ready, drain it and mix it with the tomato mixture. Add fresh basil for extra flavor. You can top it with grated Parmesan cheese if you like.
Enjoy this tasty pasta with a side salad or some crusty bread!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in balsamic glaze and mix well.
- Combine cooked pasta with tomato mixture.
- Add fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
3) Creamy Cherry Tomato Vodka Sauce
Making creamy cherry tomato vodka sauce is simple and delicious. This dish brings together the freshness of cherry tomatoes and the rich flavor of vodka in a creamy base.
Start by heating olive oil in a pan. Add chopped shallots and garlic to sauté until they soften.
Next, toss in halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they burst and release their juices.
Once the tomatoes are soft, pour in the vodka and let it cook down for a few minutes. This step helps to cook off the alcohol and deepen the flavor.
Lower the heat and stir in cream for a rich texture. Sprinkle in fresh basil for a pop of flavor. You can also add red pepper flakes for some heat.
This sauce works wonderfully over pasta or as a base for other dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 6 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped shallots and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they burst.
- Pour in vodka and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream.
- Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired.
4) Cherry Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp
Cherry Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delicious and quick dish you can whip up in no time. With fresh cherry tomatoes and shrimp, this meal bursts with flavor. The garlic and butter bring everything together, making it an easy choice for dinner.
Start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it turns fragrant.
Then, toss in halved cherry tomatoes. Cook until they start to burst and release their juices.
Next, add your shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are fully cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if you like.
Serve it over your favorite pasta or rice for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they burst.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, if desired.
5) Cherry Tomato Pesto Chicken
Cherry Tomato Pesto Chicken is a quick and tasty dish perfect for busy weeknights. You can make it in about 30 minutes, and it’s full of flavor.
Start by spooning a thick layer of pesto onto your chicken breasts. Nestle fresh cherry tomatoes around the chicken for added sweetness.
Then, roast everything in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until the chicken is fully cooked and the tomatoes burst.
This dish pairs well with pasta or a fresh salad. You can use store-bought pesto or make your own if you prefer. The mix of juicy tomatoes and basil pesto makes for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 2-4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet.
- Spoon pesto over the chicken.
- Arrange cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
6) Sautéed Cherry Tomato and Spinach Penne
This dish is simple and perfect for a quick meal. You will enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach.
Start by boiling your penne pasta in salted water until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Next, toss in halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about three minutes until the tomatoes soften.
Then, add fresh spinach and let it wilt for a minute.
Once the pasta is done, drain it and combine it with the sautéed mixture. Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Serve it warm and enjoy your delicious penne!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook penne pasta until al dente.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add cherry tomatoes, salt, and black pepper; cook for 3 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Drain pasta and mix with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and serve warm.
7) Cherry Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Cherry tomato and ricotta stuffed shells make for a delicious meal. The creamy ricotta pairs well with the tangy cherry tomato sauce. It’s a simple dish that feels special.
To start, you’ll need large pasta shells. Cook them in boiling water until they’re al dente.
While they cook, prepare your cherry tomato sauce. Sauté fresh cherry tomatoes with olive oil for a few minutes.
Next, mix ricotta cheese with herbs like basil and a sprinkle of salt. Stuff each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture.
Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover them with the warm cherry tomato sauce.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. When it’s done, let them sit for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your tasty cherry tomato and ricotta stuffed shells!
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells until al dente.
- Sauté cherry tomatoes in olive oil until soft.
- Mix ricotta with herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff shells with ricotta.
- Place shells in a baking dish and cover with sauce.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool and serve.
8) Black Olive and Cherry Tomato Tapenade
Black olive and cherry tomato tapenade is a delicious spread that adds a burst of flavor to your meals. The sweetness of cherry tomatoes mixes well with the saltiness of black olives. This makes it perfect for appetizers or a tasty addition to pasta.
To make this tapenade, start by roasting the cherry tomatoes until they soften. Then, blend these with coarsely chopped black olives. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar gives it a nice tang.
You can enjoy this tapenade on toasted bread, mixed into pasta, or even as a topping for grilled chicken. Each bite is filled with vibrant flavor that enhances any dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup black olives, coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast the cherry tomatoes for about 15 minutes, until soft.
- In a blender, combine the roasted tomatoes, olives, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.
- Blend until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Cherry Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Drizzle
Cherry tomato bruschetta is a delightful appetizer that’s easy to make. The burst of flavor from fresh cherry tomatoes combined with a balsamic drizzle is simply irresistible.
Start by washing your cherry tomatoes and chopping them in half. Mix them with fresh basil and a bit of minced garlic. This combination adds freshness and depth to the dish.
Next, toast slices of baguette until they’re golden brown. Brush them lightly with olive oil for added flavor.
Top each slice with your tomato mixture. A drizzle of balsamic glaze gives it a sweet and tangy touch. You can find this glaze at most grocery stores, or you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.
This bruschetta is perfect for gatherings or as a quick snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Baguette slices
- Balsamic glaze
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Mix tomatoes, basil, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Brush baguette slices with olive oil.
- Toast the slices in the oven for about 5-7 minutes.
- Top with tomato mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomato Basil Sauce
Zucchini noodles make a perfect base for a fresh cherry tomato basil sauce. This dish is light and full of flavor, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.
Start by spiralizing your zucchinis into noodles. You can also use a vegetable peeler for wider noodles if you prefer.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant. Then, toss in halved cherry tomatoes, cooking until they soften.
Stir in fresh basil leaves and season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Finally, combine the zucchini noodles with the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together for a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Spiralize or slice the zucchinis into noodles.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Stir in basil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine with zucchini noodles and toss.