Description
This 5-minute no-cook pasta sauce is a fresh and flavorful recipe made with ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil—perfect for a quick and easy meal without turning on the stove.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 pound cooked pasta of your choice
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes, mince garlic, and chop basil.
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well.
- Let it marinate: Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors while cooking pasta.
- Toss with pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and mix it with the sauce until well coated.
- Finish with cheese and basil: Sprinkle Parmesan and basil over the pasta, then toss one final time before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If reheating, warm gently over low heat.
- Variations:
- Add ricotta or burrata for a creamy texture.
- Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans for protein.
- Toss in toasted pine nuts or almonds for crunch.
- Use a plant-based Parmesan alternative for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: quick pasta sauce, no-cook pasta sauce, fresh tomato sauce, easy pasta recipe, summer pasta