This delightful Cherry Tomato Sauce with Penne recipe combines the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, resulting in a simple yet flavorful pasta dish. The quick preparation makes it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (such as Sun Gold)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Pasta:

• 14 ounces penne pasta
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir until the garlic is just toasted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
   • Pour chicken broth into the tomato mixture; bring to a simmer and cook until the tomatoes start to collapse and burst, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in fresh oregano and red pepper flakes.
   • Using a stick blender, purée the tomato mixture until the sauce is smooth. Cover to keep warm and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

3. Combine and Serve:

   • Pour the cherry tomato sauce over the cooked pasta; toss to combine. Serve topped with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 435
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 29mg
• Sodium: 544mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Total Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 13g
• Vitamin C: 12mg
• Calcium: 62mg
• Iron: 4mg
• Potassium: 427mg

The Appeal of Cherry Tomato Sauce

Cherry tomato sauce is a favorite in Italian-inspired cuisine because it offers a fresh, slightly sweet alternative to traditional heavy tomato-based sauces. Unlike canned tomatoes or slow-simmered marinara sauces, cherry tomato sauce retains a vibrant and refreshing taste. When cooked properly, cherry tomatoes burst open, releasing their natural juices, creating a delicate yet rich sauce that clings beautifully to pasta.

The advantage of using cherry tomatoes is that they are naturally sweeter and less acidic than larger tomatoes, making them ideal for a quick-cooked sauce. Their small size and high moisture content allow them to break down easily, reducing the cooking time while still achieving a deep, concentrated flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Quick and Easy – With just a handful of ingredients and a short cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who want a gourmet meal with minimal effort.
2. Fresh and Light – Unlike heavy cream or meat-based pasta sauces, cherry tomato sauce keeps the dish fresh and vibrant while still delivering robust flavors.
3. Customizable – You can easily modify the dish by adding protein, vegetables, or different types of cheese to suit your preferences.
4. Nutritious and Healthy – Cherry tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish a wholesome meal option.
5. Ideal for All Occasions – Whether you’re making a quick lunch, a romantic dinner, or a side dish for a larger meal, this pasta pairs well with various dishes and occasions.

The Role of Cherry Tomatoes in This Dish

Cherry tomatoes are the star of this recipe, bringing a natural sweetness and a delicate juiciness that enhances the overall dish. Their skin adds a slight texture to the sauce, while their seeds and pulp provide a luscious consistency.

The use of fresh cherry tomatoes, rather than canned or processed tomato products, makes a significant difference in taste and texture. Roasting or sautéing them with garlic and olive oil helps intensify their flavors, making the sauce rich and complex. Additionally, cherry tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its health benefits.

Best Pasta Pairings for This Sauce

While penne is a fantastic choice for this dish due to its tube-like shape that holds the sauce well, other pasta varieties can also complement the sauce:

• Spaghetti or Linguine – Long noodles work well if you prefer a lighter, more delicate sauce distribution.
• Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta) – The ridges and folds of farfalle help trap the sauce for extra flavor in every bite.
• Orecchiette – Small, ear-shaped pasta cups cradle the sauce, creating a satisfying texture.
• Rigatoni – Similar to penne but with larger ridges, rigatoni adds more bite and absorbs more sauce.

How to Enhance the Flavor

While the basic recipe is already delicious, there are several ways to elevate the dish even further:

• Add Fresh Herbs – Basil, parsley, or thyme can introduce a new dimension of flavor.
• Use a High-Quality Olive Oil – Since olive oil is a key ingredient, using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil can enhance the dish.
• Incorporate Roasted Garlic – Roasting the garlic before adding it to the sauce can create a deeper, more caramelized taste.
• Include Red Pepper Flakes – A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick of heat, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Top with Burrata or Fresh Mozzarella – For a creamy contrast, try adding burrata or fresh mozzarella to each serving.
• Use White Wine – A splash of dry white wine while cooking the tomatoes can add an extra layer of acidity and richness.

Pairing Cherry Tomato Penne with Other Dishes

To create a well-rounded meal, you can pair this dish with a variety of side dishes and beverages:

• Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery side to scoop up any leftover sauce.
• Green Salad – A fresh arugula or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the warm pasta.
• Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – Adding a protein makes this dish more filling.
• Roasted Vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant complement the flavors in the sauce.
• Red or White Wine – A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the dish.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

This dish not only delivers incredible flavor but also provides a variety of health benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants – Cherry tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, which supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
• Good Source of Fiber – Pasta, when combined with vegetables, offers a good amount of fiber for digestion.
• Low in Saturated Fat – This dish uses olive oil instead of butter or cream-based sauces, making it heart-friendly.
• Packed with Vitamins – Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C and potassium, which help boost the immune system and regulate blood pressure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Tomatoes – Cooking the cherry tomatoes too long can cause them to lose their fresh, bright flavor.
• Not Salting the Pasta Water – Properly seasoning the pasta water is essential for enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Adding Too Much Sauce – The goal is to coat the pasta lightly rather than drown it in sauce.
• Skipping Fresh Ingredients – Using fresh garlic, herbs, and high-quality cheese makes a significant difference in taste.

Conclusion

Cherry Tomato Sauce with Penne is a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients. Its light, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor makes it a perfect alternative to heavier, cream-based pasta sauces. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations, making it suitable for different tastes and dietary preferences.

By understanding the role of cherry tomatoes, choosing the right pasta, and incorporating high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet while remaining effortless to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this pasta dish will impress with its balance of flavors and simplicity.