This Cherry Tomato Basil Linguine is everything you want in a summer pasta, light, fresh, and full of flavor. Sweet cherry tomatoes burst into a rustic sauce, made even better with garlic and a hint of red chili flakes. The sauce clings beautifully to al dente linguine, creating a dish that’s simple yet satisfying. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes. With melty mozzarella, fresh basil, and parmesan on top, it feels like something you'd order at your favorite Italian restaurant.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Bright and fresh flavors: Cherry tomatoes and basil bring bold, summery flavor to every bite.
Quick to make: This pasta is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Simple ingredients, big impact: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
Easy to customize: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite protein for a heartier meal.
Perfect texture: The light sauce coats the linguine beautifully without being heavy.
Mild heat that you can adjust: Red chili flakes add a gentle kick—but you control the spice level.
Restaurant-quality at home: With mozzarella and parmesan, it feels fancy without extra effort.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESS

Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the sweetest, most flavorful sauce, this is the heart of the dish.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water—it helps emulsify the sauce and coat the pasta perfectly.
Tear the mozzarella by hand for a rustic look and better melting.
Serve immediately so the mozzarella stays soft and gooey.
Want more protein? Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to turn it into a heartier meal.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even short pastas like penne will work—just keep the sauce-to-pasta ratio balanced.
Can I make it ahead of time?
This pasta is best served fresh, but you can prep the tomato sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What if I don’t have fresh mozzarella?
You can use shredded mozzarella or skip it entirely—though the fresh version adds a creamy, melty finish that’s worth it!

CHERRY TOMATO BASIL LINGUINE

Anahi

This Cherry Tomato Basil Linguine is a light and flavorful summer pasta made with juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and melty mozzarella. It comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

½ lb Linguine
2-3 tablespoon olive oil
5 garlic cloves minced
1 ½ lbs cherry tomatoes halves
1 tsp red chili flakes or to taste
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup pasta water
¼ cup fresh basil chopped (plus more for serving)
⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
fresh mozzarella torn into chunks

Instructions

Cook the PastaBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté GarlicIn a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
Make the Tomato SauceStir in the halved cherry tomatoes and red chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Let cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the tomatoes begin to burst, gently mash them with a potato masher or spoon to create a chunky sauce
Simmer with BasilAdd the reserved pasta water and stir in chopped fresh basil. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Finish the PastaReduce the heat and add the grated parmesan, stirring to melt. Toss in the cooked linguine and mix until the noodles are evenly coated.
ServePlate the pasta and top with more basil, additional parmesan, and torn mozzarella. Serve warm and enjoy!

Keyword Cherry tomato, cherry tomato linguine