A simple pasta ‘sauce’ using a handful of ingredients – and don’t worry if your kids are averse to cherry tomatoes – they will still like this – trust me!

I have a Tik Tok nonna (Italian grandmother) to thank for this simple recipe which is now on rotation here and most of the time paired with some air fryer meatballs. I came across a Tik Tok video where she makes this sauce with her grandson.

All you need is a pack of cherry tomatoes and some basil. The rest of the ingredients should be sitting pretty in the pantry.

I start by washing and slicing the cherry tomatoes in half as it is easier to break down and fall apart. I usually buy the Cherry Honey Tomato variety which is regularly available in the grocer I frequent.

What amazes me about this recipe is that there is no need for any chicken stock or whipping cream to bulk up the sauce YET it tastes absolutely delicious (to us!) and pairs so well with pasta.

Once the olive oil is in the saucepan, I add in the garlic and allow to fry (not burn!) for a couple of minutes. I then add in the cherry tomatoes and turn up the heat.

To allow the tomatoes to break down faster, I put on a lid and allow the heat to break apart the tomatoes. This quickens the process and using my wooden spatula I just kind of squish them further and then add in the salt, sugar and baking soda. In addition, you can add in some chilli flakes too. What happens next is magic. The broken down tomatoes and garlic together with the seasonings all kind of form a sort of shiny coating with the olive oil which takes on a glossy red hue.

The baking soda helps to cut out the tartness of the tomatoes. This is the biggest tip I got from Nonna.

I add in the basil and stir before in goes the hot pasta into the sauce and toss. I serve this with meatballs and top with parmesan cheese. I love how easy it is to prepare and that it doesn’t require many ingredients. It can also be served with this chicken parmigiana.

For more pasta recipes head on over here. If your kid is not a fan of cherry tomatoes you might still want to consider trying this – as my daughter enjoys it – and trust me she won’t eat a cherry tomato to save her life!

Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta

Cherry tomatoes make a really good and simple pasta sauce. No cream, no chicken stock just basic garlic, salt, sugar, chilli flakes and lots of olive oil. Oh and one unusual ingredient - read on!

5 from 2 votes

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Ingredients

1 pack cherry tomatoes About 300g, sliced in half
2 garlic cloves sliced
Handful Basil shredded or torn up roughly
3/4 tsp salt Adjust accordingly
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp bicarbonate soda or baking soda You might find this unusual but it helps cuts down the tartness of the tomatoes
1 tsp Chilli flakes optional
50-60 ml Olive Oil Adjust according to preference and use good quality olive oil

Instructions

Pour olive oil into saucepan and add in garlic. Fry for 2 mins, then add in tomatoes and bring up the heat. I like to put a lid around the tomatoes to allow them to break down easier and faster.
Using your spatula, squish the tomatoes then add baking soda, salt, sugar, chilli flakes (if using) and basil. Mix and ensure tomatoes have broken down well. Add in pasta (around 200g-240g) and mix. Top with some parmesan cheese. Serve with meatballs or chicken parmigiana. Done!

Notes

Top Tips:

Use good quality olive oil.
Allow the tomatoes to break down well. I've used the Tomato Cherry Honey variety I get from my regular grocer.
Goes great with meatballs on the side after mixing in the pasta.