This creamy cherry tomato sauce is rich and full of flavor, with fresh tomatoes and a touch of Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for pasta or even as a dipping sauce.
I love how easy it is to whip up this sauce in no time. Just a few ingredients and you’re ready for a delicious meal that feels fancy without the fuss! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes are the star of the sauce. If you can’t find fresh ones, you could use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time, as canned tomatoes will break down faster.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives the sauce a nice flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil or coconut oil works well too, though the flavor will be different.
Heavy Cream: This thickens the sauce and adds creaminess. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, or if dairy-free, try coconut cream or a thick cashew cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you’re out of it, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work too.
How Do You Cook Cherry Tomatoes to Get the Best Flavor?
Cooking the cherry tomatoes properly is key to bringing out their natural sweetness and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by heating olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. This helps to release the flavors quickly.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Watch it closely to prevent burning!
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and burst. Stir them occasionally to make sure they don’t stick.
- Season with salt and optional red pepper flakes. This will enhance the tomatoes’ sweetness.
Taking your time with the tomatoes in this step will truly elevate your sauce to the next level!
Creamy Cherry Tomato Sauce with Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Pasta of your choice (optional, for serving)
Time Needed
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep and cooking time. It’s a quick and easy sauce that you can whip together in no time for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
2. Adding the Cherry Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir occasionally as they cook. You want to keep an eye on them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and burst open, releasing their juicy goodness.
3. Seasoning the Sauce:
If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
4. Making It Creamy:
Now, it’s time to add the heavy cream! Pour it into the skillet and stir everything together. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for about 3-5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
5. Adding Parmesan:
Once the sauce has thickened a bit, take the skillet off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it’s completely melted and the sauce is nice and creamy.
6. Serving It Up:
You can serve this delicious creamy cherry tomato sauce over your choice of cooked pasta. If you want to add a fresh touch, garnish with basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your meal!
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor your delightful creamy cherry tomato sauce with Parmesan. It’s comforting, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are great for their sweetness, you can use grape tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes in a pinch. Just reduce the cooking time for canned tomatoes since they break down quicker.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder sauce, simply omit the red pepper flakes. If you love heat, feel free to add more or even incorporate diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if it thickens too much!
