4 Ingredient Tomato and Garlic Pasta

Give a try to this 4 ingredient tomato and garlic pasta. This quick and easy summer recipe features aromatic cherry tomatoes, flavorful garlic, and fresh parsley for a burst of Italian-inspired taste with minimal effort.

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Close look of a vintage plate of pasta with tomatoes, garlic and parsley.

Today, I’ve got a little Italian summer magic for you in the form of my 4 ingredient tomato and garlic Pasta. It’s the kind of dish that whispers “simplicity” in your ear but screams “flavor bomb” on your taste buds.

This recipe is your kitchen sidekick for those moments when you’re short on minutes but not on craving. With just four ingredients, it’s like a culinary shortcut to pasta paradise.

We’re talking about the sweetest cherry tomatoes, kissed by the summer sun, bursting with flavor that’s so bright, you’ll think they stole a bit of sunshine.

Then there’s garlic – the fairy godmother of Italian cooking. It’ll infuse your pasta with its magical aroma and make your kitchen smell like heaven.

Now, let’s not forget about parsley. It’s not just a garnish; it’s a flavor enhancer and a freshness booster.

And finally, the star of our show: pasta! I used Spaccatella, but you can choose your pasta favorite. Fusilli, penne, or spaghetti, the choice is yours. Pasta is the canvas, and these ingredients are the artists; together, they create a masterpiece on your plate.

So, join me on this delicious whirlwind journey where we’ll turn a handful of ingredients into a summer symphony for your taste buds. Trust me, you won’t need anything else when you’ve got the sun-soaked sweetness of tomatoes, the comforting embrace of garlic, the freshness of parsley, and the ever-reliable pasta by your side.

Let’s get cooking because happiness is just a pot of boiling water away!

Table of Contents hide

🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?

🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes

🍴 Tools Needed:

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

😻 Other Pasta Recipes You May Enjoy

🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?

🤔 Answering Your Questions:

📋 Recipe Card:

🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?

Effortless Deliciousness: It’s a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy days when you crave a satisfying meal without the fuss.
Vibrant Summer Flavors: The cherry tomatoes and garlic provide a burst of vibrant, sun-kissed flavors that capture the essence of summer.
Minimal Ingredients: With only four ingredients, it’s budget-friendly and requires minimal grocery shopping.
Customizable: You can choose your favorite pasta shape and even add extra ingredients like grated cheese or red pepper flakes for a personal touch.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this classic, comforting pasta dish.
Perfect for Beginners: Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe is accessible to all skill levels.

🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes

Top view of a white plate with pasta, tomatoes, parsley and garlic on a white marble table.

Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a burst of freshness. You can substitute them with grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes for a similar effect. You may also consider using different colors of tomatoes for an extra color on the plate.
Garlic: Garlic provides a robust, savory flavor. Minced shallots or garlic powder can be used as substitutes for a milder taste.
Parsley: Parsley contributes a fresh, herbaceous note. Swap it with fresh basil or cilantro for a different herbal twist to your pasta.
Pasta: Spaccatella pasta has a unique texture, but you can replace it with any pasta shape you prefer, like spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, depending on your personal taste and what’s available in your pantry.

🍴 Tools Needed:

Chef Knife
Cutting Board
Frying Pan
Pot

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions

Quick Note: This recipe cooks extremely quickly, so we’ll need to work on two fronts simultaneously.

Let’s start by bringing ½ gallon (2 liters) of water to a boil.

While the water is heating up, let’s prepare the sauce.

Take a pan and add a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil, about 3 tablespoons. This, combined with the tomato juice, will be our pasta sauce.

Pro Tip: It’s important to use the highest quality olive oil you can find; the final result depends a lot on it.

Slice the garlic into thin slices and add it to the oil. Cook over low heat, allowing the garlic to infuse the oil with its flavor but making sure not to let it burn.

Quick Note: Pay attention to not burn the garlic as it has a very unpleasant smell and taste.

Cook the garlic for 2-3 minutes until you can smell a pleasant aroma of fried garlic.

Frying garlic in melted butter on the stove in a pan.

Now, add the tomatoes cut into quarters.

Pro Tip: Be very careful because the oil is hot, and the tomatoes have a lot of juice, so there might be some splattering.

Tomatoes and garlic in a frying pan on the stove.

Now, let’s return to the water of the pasta.

A teaspoon with salt over a pan with boiling water.

In the meantime, the water should be coming to a boil. When it’s boiling, add a teaspoon of salt to the water.

White plate with dried pasta over a pan with boiling water.

Then, in the salted boiling water, add the pasta and cook it for 1 minute less than what is indicated on the package instructions because the pasta will continue to cook a bit in the sauce. By doing that, we will avoid overcooking.

While the pasta is boiling, the sauce will simmer slowly and develop its flavor. If you’d like, you can also add other authentic ingredients like olives, capers, or chili peppers to enhance the taste.

Cooked tomatoes and garlic in a frying pan on the stove.

When the pasta has finished boiling, it’s time to add it to our sauce in the pan.

Close look of a pan of pasta with tomatoes, and garlic.

Mix well to ensure that the pasta absorbs and is thoroughly coated with the sauce.

And finally, after removing it from the heat, sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the pasta.

Close look of a pan of pasta with tomatoes, garlic and parsley.

Mix everything thoroughly, and the pasta is ready to be served immediately while it’s still piping hot. Enjoy!

I’ve chosen to enjoy it as is, but if you like, you can add a little Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor and taste.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Al Fresco Lunch: Picture this: a sunny Italian courtyard, a rustic wooden table, and a bowl of our 4 ingredient tomato and garlic pasta. Sprinkle some extra fresh parsley on top, a drizzle of good quality olive oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Serve it with a chilled glass of crisp white wine for the perfect al fresco lunch.
Family Dinner Feast: Gather your loved ones around the table for a cozy family dinner. Set the mood with some soft candlelight and a playlist of your favorite Italian classics. Dish out generous portions of the pasta, top with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, and a few basil leaves for an extra touch of elegance. Don’t forget the garlic bread on the side!
Picnic Perfection: Take your pasta to the park or beach for a picnic to remember. Pack it in individual containers, add a handful of cherry tomatoes, and a few basil leaves for a pop of color. Pair it with crusty baguette slices and a refreshing fruit salad. Eating outdoors never tasted so good.
Midnight Cravings: Sometimes, the best meals happen late at night. Whip up a quick batch of this pasta when hunger strikes. Keep it simple with just a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. It’s the ultimate comfort food for those midnight cravings.
Potluck Party: Heading to a potluck or BBQ? Bring a big bowl of this pasta salad. Toss it with some balsamic vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and a handful of arugula for a tangy and refreshing dish that’ll steal the show.
Meal Prep Champion: Make a big batch of this pasta on a Sunday evening and portion it into containers for your week’s lunches. It reheats beautifully, so you’ll have a tasty and satisfying meal ready in minutes during your busy workdays.

😻 Other Pasta Recipes You May Enjoy

🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?

Quality Ingredients: Start with the freshest ingredients you can find, especially the cherry tomatoes. The better they taste on their own, the more exceptional your pasta will be.
Tomato Roasting: When roasting the cherry tomatoes, don’t rush it. Slow-roasting allows them to caramelize beautifully, intensifying their sweetness.
Garlic Love: While the garlic cloves roast along with the tomatoes, make sure they don’t burn.
Pasta Al Dente: Cook your pasta al dente, meaning it should have a slight bite to it. The texture is crucial for a satisfying dish. Be mindful of the cooking time, and taste-test a minute or two before the package instructions suggest.
Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust. If your pasta seems a bit dry, add a splash of olive oil or a spoonful of pasta water. If it needs a little kick, a pinch of salt or red pepper flakes can work wonders. The dish should reflect your taste preferences.
Fresh Finish: Finally, finish your dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. The vibrant green not only adds a burst of color but also a pop of fresh flavor that ties everything together beautifully.

🤔 Answering Your Questions:

Can I Use Other Types of Tomatoes for This Recipe?

Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes work wonderfully due to their sweetness, you can also use grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes. Just ensure they’re ripe and bursting with flavor.

What’s the Secret to Perfectly Al Dente Pasta?

The key to al dente pasta is careful timing. Follow the package instructions, but taste-test a minute or two before they suggest. Your pasta should have a slight bite, not be too soft.

Why Do I Need to Reserve Pasta Cooking Water?

Pasta cooking water is starchy and can be used to adjust the consistency of your dish. It’s a handy tool to create a silky sauce when mixed with the roasted tomato and garlic mixture.

Can I Customize This Recipe With Additional Ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Add ingredients like grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, red pepper flakes for some heat, or even some diced fresh basil for extra herbal freshness.

How Do I Reheat Leftovers Without Losing Flavor and Texture?

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan on low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the flavors. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the pasta mushy.

📋 Recipe Card: