Pasta with Homemade Sauce (30 Min Recipe)

Name: Cherry tomato pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Pasta (of your choice ); 3 cups Cherry tomatoes; 5 cloves Garlic; 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp Black pepper (or to taste); Water and salt to boil your pasta (according to the package); 1 bunch Basil leaves; 1 cup Parmesan cheese (or more); 1/2 tsp Red chili flakes (optional); 2 tbsp Olive oil

by Saba Ahmad on Dec 23, 2022 (updated Jul 22, 2025)

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This quick pasta with homemade sauce is incredibly delicious and a breeze to whip up! It’s absolutely perfect for those warm summer days when you need a quick and satisfying meal for your loved ones. If you have pasta enthusiasts in your family (just like I do!), this recipe is a must-try. The sauce is made with fresh cherry tomatoes, adding a delightful tanginess that perfectly complements the richness of parmesan cheese and the freshness of basil leaves.

Ingredients for pasta with homemade sauce

Pasta
I used half a package of regular spaghetti pasta. You can also use whole wheat pasta or any other shape of your choice. I cook pasta according to the package directions.

Cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are tart in flavor, smaller in size, and have more water content which makes this pasta sauce very flavorful. You don’t need to cut tomatoes and they cook really well to give a charred flavor before start bursting

Garlic
I only use fresh garlic cloves for this recipe, peel and chop garlic into small pieces before adding to the tomatoes. When garlic is cooked with tomatoes it will release its aroma and make a perfect sauce

Spices
this pasta sauce is very simple. I only used salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Adjust the spice level according to your liking.

Fresh basil
Basil leaves are an integral part of this dish. Fresh ingredients do make a ton of a difference. Try to use fresh basil leaves, which not only add to the flavor but also make the perfect garnish.

Cheese
Another important ingredient is cheese, I used freshly grated parmesan cheese. If you are using a block of cheese, avoid the rind when you are grating the cheese. Use as much as you like, I only used 1/2 a cup

Olive oil
I’m not an expert by any means when it comes to pasta but my understanding about this Italian delicacy is to use olive oil to make the sauce because that’s how it is traditionally made.

How to serve pasta

Once I make this cherry tomato pasta, it takes minutes to disappear, as the vibrant colors and delicious aroma attract everyone to the table. It’s popular among kids and adults alike, and the simplicity of the recipe makes it a go-to favorite during busy weeknights or casual gatherings. To elevate this dish further, I always recommend adding a side salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette, as well as some warm, buttery garlic bread to make it a complete meal. The combination of flavors not only satisfies the palate but also creates a delightful dining experience that leaves everyone wanting more.