Last year I tried to grow my own cherry tomatoes and it was pretty pathetic. I think I got about 15 total for the entire ssummer and of course they didn’t all come at the same time. I don’t even think I ever had enough at one time to make a decent salad with them. Mostly, I just ate them by themselves right off the plant before the sun turned them into sun-dried tomatoes!
I will take some of the blame for my failed cherry tomato crop, but I’m also putting the other part of the blame on the hot desert sun that beat down on them everyday. I’ve been to the farmer’s market many times, so I know that some Arizona residents are getting crazy good loot from their gardens. But, sadly I am not one of those people.
I dreamed of growing enough cherry tomatoes so I could make a dish just like this and be so proud that I had grown the ingredients myself, but alas, I had to settle on delicious cherry tomatoes that someone else grew. I might not have grown these tomatoes myself, but I did get to eat this penne all by myself and it was so good! And, it only took me 20 minutes to put this dish together which made it extra good!
I’ve recently noticed that not all of my recipes are quick and easy (I guess I get a little carried away sometimes?) but this 20 minute cherry tomato penne pasta is quick, easy and perfect for summer!
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20 Minute Cherry Tomato Penne Pasta
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
- 4 ounces dry penne pasta, I used gluten free brown rice penne
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook onions for about 3 minutes until softened. Next, add the garlic, cherry tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, red pepper and oregano. Cook mixture until tomatoes are softened and beginning to break down, about 12 minutes. Turn the heat off and stir in the fresh parsley.
- Drain the pasta and top with cherry tomato sauce.
Notes
Recipe makes 2 servings, double recipe if more is desired
- Category: Entree, Gluten Free, Vegan
This recipe is easily one of my vegan familyās favorites. So simple and so delicious! Thanks, Izzy!
That is so nice to hear, Erin! I’m so glad you and your family enjoy it š
Your picture and recipes look great. I was wondering if you have a recipe for pasta ala vodka. Cannot find a decent recipe.
thank!
wendi
Thanks so much, Wendi! Unfortunately, I don’t have a recipe for pasta ala vodka yet. It sounds really good though so I will put it on my list of recipes to experiment with!
looking for a penne ala vodka recipe. have not been able to find a decent one. anything decent will be appreciated!
This looks so yummy and fresh! Perfect for those end-of-season tomatoes š
Oh Izzy! That’s just like the time I tried to grow some cherry tomatoes on my balcony when I was living in Greece. They were tiny and with really tough skins … and like you I only got a few. I was very disappointed!
I absolutely love cherry tomatoes though and buy them all the time to cook with. This kind of simple pasta is just my thing! It’s perfect for a quick meal, and especially this time of year. š
haha, oh no! That doesn’t sound fun! I love them so much too so I always find myself buying them. I wish they were cheaper because I can’t stay away!
Taste of summer? Check. Fast and easy? Check. Awesome work.
Thanks so much!
I am Right There With You on the growing of cherry tomatoes – the only thing I can reliably grow is herbs (need any basil??)…but thankfully our local farm market is overflowing with them, so I can make this cheery looking pasta!
I would love some basil!! It is so expensive to buy at the store and they don’t give you much! Farmer market tomatoes are almost just as good as home grown š
This is actually the first year my cherry tomatoes are doing well, I killed them last year too with my black thumb š Love this pasta dish! It looks beautiful and ready in only 20 minutes? I’m sold!
Haha, I’m beginning to think I have a black thumb too! thanks so much, Kelly š
I’ve been on a huge 20/30-minute meal kick lately, too! I haven’t grown tomatoes in years, but growing up we seemed to always have a prosperous few plants. If only I could have some of that luck now! What a pretty pasta dish – and I just know it’s delicious!
Me too, Alyssa! I don’t want to cook at all lately! I feel like I used to be able to grown so many things well and now nothing, haha!
This is SUCH a gorgeous dish! We have one tomato plant that I planted in our flower bed, and I didn’t realize how big they get because I’ve never actually had one before. It is absolutely massive and is taking over everything! Lol. I think it has grown right over my peppers and melons. We can be more strategic about our garden planning next year! Lol
Thank you, Ashley!! Mine never got big at all, haha! One year I planted 3 jalapeno plants and like ten came up and each grew so many jalapenos and I don’t even eat jalapenos very much!
Love how quick and fresh this pasta dish is! Cherry tomatoes have such a great flavor š Pinning!
Thanks Medha! They really do š
These pictures are just so pretty, Izzy! I love the mix of colors. And of course the sauce sounds incredible.
I’ve had a fair amount of luck with my tomato plant so far but it’s much easier when the climate is as mild as it is here. It’s a gardeners dream!
Thank you so much, Sarah! I’m hoping someday that we move to a place where I can grown things without killing everything! I have had the worst luck in Arizona!
This is so beautiful! So many delicious summer colors.
Thank you so much, Dani!
I too do not have a green thumb. My Dad on the other hand grows cherry tomatoes and we have had tons of them this summer. So this pasta dish will be a great way to use them up!
How nice to get them from your dad! I guess I just need to make friends with someone who can grow them, haha š
I’m having 50/50 luck with cherry tomatoes this year – I’m growing black ones that have just gone mad – I can’t believe how many there are on one plant. I’m also growing sweet 100s and they haven’t done much at all – so go figure. Love a quick 20 minute sauce so definitely trying this one soon, Izzy!
Ohhhh, black ones! Those sounds so neat! I’ve tried the sweet 200s before and they are so good! Too bad you aren’t getting more!
Cherry tomatoes can do no wrong in my eyes — they’re my favorite! I absolutely love the sound of this sauce, and it’s too quick not to make! Definitely trying this, Izzy. š
Mine either, Marcie! I like to eat them like candy! Thanks so much š
I seriously have so many cherry tomatoes coming outta my garden right now, I should just send like half of them over to you, girl! With the other half, i think I’ll just make this pasta over and over again. 20 minutes for the WIN!
so jealous!!! That is it, I’m moving in with you and eating all your vegetables, haha! You should totally make this, Sarah!
Awh, there’s always next year to try and grow tomatoes! It took me three years to grow Thai basil… so keep trying! Pasta makes such a quick and easy meal and cherry tomatoes are finally making an appearance at our farmer’s markets. Hooray! This sounds delicious, Izzy!
I think I will give it a go next year! I would love to grow some basil too! I’m glad you finally got your Thai basil crop going! That must be exciting and delicious š
Something about a fresh tomato pasta just screams summer, doesn’t it? I like this quick and easy dish, especially the red pepper flakes. And yes, I’m forever grateful to farmer’s markets too. š
It really does, Katie! I could eat them raw by themselves all summer!
Oh I love this pasta, Izzy! You definitely can’t beat a 20 minute meal like this, especially when fresh tomatoes are involved. Sounds like the perfect summer dinner!
Thank you, Gayle! I haven’t felt like cooking at all lately, so I’ve been eating this pasta quite a bit lately, haha!