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Cherry Tomato Sauce

Homemade Cherry Strudels Recipe
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4.5 from 42 reviews

This vibrant Fusilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce is a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish. Sweet cherry tomatoes are blistered with garlic and red pepper flakes for a spicy punch, then tossed with tender fusilli pasta and topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan. It’s the perfect easy weeknight meal that celebrates fresh, simple ingredients and bold flavors.

Ingredients

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Pasta

  • 12 oz fusilli pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (mixed colors if available)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or shaved Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant and just golden, about 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.
  3. Burst the Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes blister, burst, and release their juices—about 8–10 minutes. Use a spoon to gently press down any stubborn tomatoes.
  4. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained fusilli to the skillet. Toss the pasta with the tomato mixture, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated or shaved Parmesan. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra herbs or cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
  • Mix colored cherry tomatoes for a more vibrant presentation and balanced sweetness.
  • Swap fusilli for other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini if preferred.
  • Use vegetarian-friendly Parmesan if adhering to strict vegetarian diets.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/cherry-tomato-sauce/