Frequently asked questions
Mix the tomatoes with tangy balsamic vinegar, then add al dente pasta and peppery fresh basil. You’ll be amazed at the amount of flavor these classic summer ingredients infuse in 20 minutes. It’s a fast and easy dinner that’s over-the-top tasty, and it’s one of our top summer dinner ideas to make during tomato season!
Cherry tomatoes: Use only the ripest, best cherry tomatoes. Farmers market or garden tomatoes are ideal. Some grocery stores carry hydroponic greenhouse cherry tomatoes, which can have good flavor. Make sure you know the quality before making this recipe! Pasta: You can use any type of pasta here. We like using a short pasta so the tomatoes don’t get lost. Fresh basil: Fresh basil is a must! Not only does it have a lovely contrasting color, it completes the flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese: This is the type that is like powdery snow, not thin sticks. You can use either, but the powdery effect melds into the pasta better.
Important: don’t crowd the pan! If the pan is crowded when you attempt this recipe, the tomatoes will steam instead of blister. They’ll get all wet and soggy. This is not what you want! You may need to blister the tomatoes in batches. Use your largest skillet and make sure there are space between the tomatoes. If not, blister the tomatoes in 2 batches! Don’t touch the tomatoes for the first minute of cooking. This lets the tomatoes get perfectly blackened on one side. Then shake the pan during the rest of cooking so they are cooked on all sides.
Orecchiette: This is the pasta shape shown here! It means “little ears” in Italian, and it has a fun, unique shape. Penne: Penne is easy to find and works well. Rigatoni: This tublar pasta shape is another favorite of ours. Cavatappi: Cork-screw shaped pasta would be great here. Shells: If you can’t find orecchiette, small or medium shells are a good substitute.
Beans: Adding in cannellini beans or white beans is a nice way to add plant-based protein using Mediterranean flavor. Salad: Pair with an arugula salad, spinach salad, chopped salad, or blackberry salad. Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sauteed broccoli, or sauteed broccolini would a good pairing.
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