This quick-and-easy Giada De Laurentiis Cherry Tomato Spaghetti pasta dish makes use of the still-in-season, super-sweet cherry, and sun gold tomatoes alongside extra-virgin olive oil, shallot, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

To make Giada Cherry Tomato Spaghetti, cook the spaghetti until al dente, then sauté the shallot and garlic in olive oil for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until they start to pop. Combine with the pasta, Parmesan, and fresh basil, tossing everything together.

So, why not give this Cherry Tomato Spaghetti a try? It’s a breeze to make, and I bet you’ll love it. Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!

Giada De Laurentiis Cherry Tomato Spaghetti Ingredients

• 1 pound of dried spaghetti pasta
• 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2 pints of red cherry tomatoes
• 1 pint of small yellow tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 2 cups of finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup of thinly sliced basil

How To Make Giada De Laurentiis Cherry Tomato Spaghetti

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and smashed garlic, and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Cook the Tomatoes: Add the red and yellow cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with the kosher salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the tomatoes simmer until they begin to pop and soften, about 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked spaghetti, grated Parmesan cheese, reserved pasta water, and sliced basil to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly with tongs until well combined.
5. Serve: Serve the pasta warm or at room temperature, ensuring each portion has a good mix of tomatoes, cheese, and basil.

How Do I Keep My Cherry Tomato Spaghetti From Getting Mushy?

To keep your Cherry Tomato Spaghetti from getting mushy, make sure you cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite when you drain it.

Also, avoid overcooking the tomatoes by watching them closely and removing them from the heat once they start to pop.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always go for the freshest tomatoes and basil you can find. Fresh ingredients will make the flavors pop and take your dish from good to amazing. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference with each bite.
• Don’t Skip the Salted Pasta Water: Make sure to generously salt your pasta water. This simple step adds a lot of flavor to the pasta itself and helps bring the whole dish together beautifully. Salty pasta water is your best friend here.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, remember to save some pasta water. This starchy water is perfect for helping to create a silky sauce when you toss everything together. It’s like a secret ingredient that makes everything better.
• Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes: You want your cherry tomatoes to be just slightly popped. Overcooking them will make them mushy and less vibrant. Aim for a balance where they are soft but still hold their shape nicely.

Recipe Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon. This will add a new dimension to your dish and make it more filling. It’s a great way to switch things up.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sautéing shallot and garlic. This simple addition will give your pasta a nice spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Cheese Swap: Try using Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Pecorino has a sharper and saltier taste that can really elevate the dish. It’s a small change with a big impact.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients. This is an easy way to make the dish a bit healthier and more vibrant. Plus, it adds some nice texture and variety.

What To Serve With Cherry Tomato Spaghetti

Serve your Cherry Tomato Spaghetti with a refreshing watermelon and feta salad, crispy baked polenta fries, or a tangy pickled beet and arugula salad.

You could also try a grilled peach and burrata appetizer, spicy roasted chickpeas, or sweet and savory corn and avocado salsa.

How To Store Leftover Cherry Tomato Spaghetti

In The Fridge:

Place your leftover Cherry Tomato Spaghetti in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before sealing the container to prevent condensation. Stored this way, your pasta will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

In The Freezer:

Freezing Cherry Tomato Spaghetti is not recommended as the texture of the tomatoes may become mushy. The pasta may also become too soft and lose its desired consistency. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days when refrigerated.

How To Reheat Leftover Cherry Tomato Spaghetti

Reheat your leftover Cherry Tomato Spaghetti by placing it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil. Heat for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through.

Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium heat for about two minutes, stirring halfway through.

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada De Laurentiis Baked Lemon Ziti
• Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Vesuvio
• Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Carbonara