Campanelle and Cherry Tomato Delight

A simple pasta dish combines the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes with the unique shape of campanelle for a delightful, fresh meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both light and satisfying.

★★★★☆4.9(10 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 10 min

Total Time 20 min

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients 0/8

1 pound campanelle pasta ¼ cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic, smashed 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup freshly grated pecorino cheese 1 cup chopped fresh basil

Why This Dish Is A Crowd Favorite

This dish combines the unique shape of campanelle pasta with the fresh, juicy burst of cherry tomatoes. It’s light yet flavorful, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual lunch. The vibrant colors and simple ingredients make it both visually appealing and satisfying.

Helpful Cooking Tips

- Cook the pasta until al dente to maintain a pleasant bite.
- Use ripe, fresh cherry tomatoes for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Toss the pasta with olive oil and fresh herbs while still warm to help the flavors meld together.

Step 1

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Once it's boiling, add the pasta and cook it for about 5 minutes—just a couple minutes less than what the package says. When it’s done, drain the pasta but save half a cup of the cooking water for later.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook it until it smells amazing and just starts to turn golden, about a minute. Then toss in the cherry tomatoes with a pinch of kosher salt. Stir them around and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices, which should take about 3 minutes.

Step 3

Add the drained pasta right into the skillet, along with a good handful of Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good toss so the pasta gets coated in that garlicky tomato sauce. Sprinkle in some pecorino cheese and fresh basil, then toss once more to mix it all together. If the sauce feels a little thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the consistency you like.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread to round out the meal.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or water to keep the pasta moist. Avoid freezing, as the tomatoes may become mushy.

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By Ayesha Khan

Home Cooking Expert

Ayesha shares simple recipes with clear steps to help you cook confidently at home.