Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
• teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 14 ounces penne pasta
• cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the garlic is lightly toasted.

Step 2: Add the chicken broth to the tomato mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to collapse and burst.

Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but firm to the bite. Drain the pasta once cooked.

Step 4: Stir the fresh oregano and red pepper flakes into the tomato sauce. Using a stick blender, puree the sauce until smooth.

Step 5: Add the drained penne pasta to the tomato sauce, stirring well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 6: Stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1/4 of the recipe):

Calories	475
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	9mg
Sodium	204mg
Total Carbohydrate	76g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	18g
Vitamin C	16mg
Calcium	148mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	385mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Cherry tomatoes, known for their sweetness and vibrant color, provide the base for this delightful pasta sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe captures the fresh essence of summer and brings out the best in ripe tomatoes. With just a few simple ingredientsolive oil, garlic, and chicken broththis sauce creates a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta. Its light yet satisfying, and can be customized to your taste. But beyond the taste, there is an interesting story to be told about this humble sauce.

History of Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce

The cherry tomato, native to South America, was cultivated and spread across Europe, particularly Italy, where it became a staple in many dishes. The combination of tomatoes with pasta is as old as Italian cuisine itself, with tomato-based sauces becoming more common in the 19th century after the tomato was introduced to Europe from the New World. The simple, fresh style of this cherry tomato sauce has its roots in traditional Italian cooking, where the use of fresh, local ingredients is highly valued. Recipes like this one, using cherry tomatoes, reflect the desire to highlight the pure flavor of the tomato without overwhelming it with too many spices or complex seasonings.

Regional Variations

In Italy, sauces are often defined by their regional origins, and this cherry tomato pasta sauce is no exception. In the southern regions of Italy, particularly in Campania and Sicily, tomatoes are a key ingredient in the cuisine, and they are often used to make light, fresh sauces. This particular recipe echoes the simplicity and flavor profile typical of these regions. While it can be found across Italy, the use of fresh basil, oregano, and a splash of olive oil creates a distinctly Mediterranean taste that is beloved in southern Italian homes.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional tomato pasta sauces, which might be rich and thick with tomato paste or slow-cooked for hours, this cherry tomato sauce remains light and fresh. The unique sweetness of cherry tomatoes adds a natural depth to the sauce without the need for added sugar, which is often used in other pasta sauces to balance acidity. Additionally, while many tomato sauces incorporate onion, this recipe leaves it out, allowing the garlic to be the primary aromatic. The use of chicken broth instead of the more common water or vegetable stock enhances the sauces richness while maintaining its lightness.

Where to Serve This Dish

This sauce is versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. It is perfect for a quick weekday meal, providing a light yet flavorful option that pairs well with almost any type of pasta, from penne to spaghetti. It also works wonderfully as a base for other dishes. For example, you can serve it with grilled chicken or seafood for a more substantial meal. In Italy, such fresh sauces are often served in casual, home-style meals, and the dish is commonly enjoyed outdoors during the warmer months. Its a simple, yet elegant dish that showcases the best of Italian cuisine.

Interesting Facts

Cherry tomatoes are not only sweet and delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients. They contain a high level of antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is known for its potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers and promoting heart health. In fact, the sweeter the tomato, the higher the concentration of lycopene. This sauce is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a boost to your health. Additionally, fresh cherry tomatoes are often grown in home gardens, making them an ideal ingredient for a farm-to-table meal. They are easy to grow and can yield large quantities, perfect for making sauces in bulk or preserving for the winter months.

Conclusion

Chef John's cherry tomato pasta sauce brings together simplicity, flavor, and tradition. By highlighting the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes and using just a few ingredients, this sauce offers a quick and fresh alternative to the heavier, more complex tomato sauces that are often served with pasta. Whether you enjoy it on a summer evening or as a quick weekday dinner, its a dish that celebrates the bright, bold flavors of Italian cooking.

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