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.
Prep Time10 min
Cook Time10 min
Total Time20 min
Difficulty
Easy
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.
Ingredients
0/8
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.
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.
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people cooked this recipe
ByDavid Brown
David shares approachable recipes, helpful cooking tips, and simple meal ideas.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of campanelle?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or rigatoni will work well as a substitute.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium-high heat and watch it carefully, removing it as soon as it turns golden and aromatic.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and toss with pasta just before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have pecorino cheese?
Parmesan cheese alone works fine, or you can substitute with another hard Italian cheese like Grana Padano.
How do I make the sauce less thick?
Add some of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use frozen cherry tomatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh tomatoes are preferred for the best flavor and texture, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained well.
Is it okay to skip the fresh basil?
Yes, but fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic flavor that complements the dish nicely.
How salty should the pasta water be?
It should taste like seawater—salty enough to flavor the pasta but not overpowering.
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