Pin This vibrant cherry tomato pasta skillet transforms simple ingredients into a comforting family meal with minimal effort. The magic happens when sweet cherry tomatoes burst in the oven, creating a luscious sauce that coats every bite of pasta beneath a blanket of gooey cheese.
I created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something that would please everyone but wouldn't keep me in the kitchen all evening. Now it's our Thursday night tradition when we want something cozy but don't have the energy for anything complicated.
Ingredients
- Short pasta like penne or rigatoni: The ridges and tubes capture sauce beautifully. Choose bronze die pasta for the best texture
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness intensifies when roasted. Look for plump, firm tomatoes with vibrant color
- Fresh garlic cloves: Provides aromatic foundation. Choose firm bulbs without any sprouting
- Red onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth. Pick ones that feel heavy for their size
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible cheese pull. Fresh mozzarella works beautifully but pre shredded saves time
- Parmesan cheese: Brings savory umami notes. Splurge on real Parmigiano Reggiano if possible
- Heavy cream: Creates silky sauce texture. Full fat works best for preventing separation
- Fresh basil: Brightens the entire dish. Look for vibrant green leaves without any browning
- Dried oregano: Provides classic Italian flavor. Rub between fingers before adding to release oils
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but adds gentle heat. Adjust according to your spice preference
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta:
- Boil pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions in well salted water. This undercooking is crucial as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Reserve about a quarter cup of pasta water before draining in case your sauce needs loosening later.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in an oven safe skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add chopped red onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. The onions should soften without browning which would introduce bitterness.
- Build the flavor base:
- Add minced garlic to the softened onions and cook for just 30 seconds until you can smell its aroma. Be vigilant here as garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. Immediately proceed to the next step when you detect that wonderful garlic fragrance.
- Create the sauce:
- Add halved cherry tomatoes along with oregano and optional chili flakes. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. You want the tomatoes to soften and start releasing their juices but still maintain some shape. The liquid they release forms the base of your sauce.
- Enrich the sauce:
- Pour in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a cohesive sauce with a beautiful pink hue. The cream tempers the acidity of the tomatoes while adding luxurious body to the sauce.
- Combine with pasta:
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy tomato sauce. If the mixture seems too thick add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Add the cheese:
- Scatter mozzarella and half the Parmesan throughout the pasta mixture stirring gently to distribute. Then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top. This two layer cheese approach ensures cheesy goodness throughout with a beautiful golden top.
- Bake to perfection:
- Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for bubbling around the edges and a golden top. The cheese should be fully melted with some spots beginning to brown for that perfect texture contrast.
Pin The cherry tomatoes are truly the star of this dish. I discovered their magic when I was trying to use up a garden surplus one summer. Unlike larger tomatoes that can become watery, these little gems concentrate their sweetness when cooked, creating pockets of intense flavor that burst with each bite.
Make It Your Own
This recipe welcomes endless variations based on what you have on hand. For a protein boost, stir in cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken before baking. Vegetarians might enjoy adding sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach for extra nutrition and texture. The key is adding these elements when you combine the pasta with the sauce, ensuring everything heats evenly during baking.
Storage and Reheating
This pasta keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk before microwaving to restore the creamy texture. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes, then uncover for the final 5 minutes to crisp up the top again.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this comforting pasta with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a complete Italian inspired meal, start with bruschetta or a small antipasto platter. This dish pairs beautifully with light to medium bodied red wines like Chianti or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, or even a crisp Pinot Grigio if you prefer white wine.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer version Use multicolored heirloom cherry tomatoes and add fresh corn kernels for sweetness. Fall comfort Incorporate roasted butternut squash cubes and sage instead of basil. Winter warming Add sun dried tomatoes for concentrated flavor and a pinch of nutmeg to the cream.
Pin This dish is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly memorable. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the ease of this one-skillet wonder!
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, try smoked scamorza or provolone if you want a different flavor than mozzarella.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce and bake evenly in the skillet.
- → How do I add more vegetables?
Sautéed spinach or sliced olives can be added when cooking the tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, but check cheese and cream packaging for vegetarian labels if strictly avoiding animal rennet.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake it just before serving for best results.
- → What pairs well as a side?
Pair with a green salad, garlic bread, and a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.