Pasta With Burst Cherry Tomatoes and XO Sauce Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Pasta With Burst Cherry Tomatoes and XO Sauce—where Italian comfort collides with bold, umami-packed Asian flavors. This vibrant, weeknight-friendly recipe brings together sweet, juicy tomatoes, aromatic shallots and garlic, briny XO sauce, and loads of fresh herbs for a dish that’s as stunning as it is craveable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, high-impact ingredients are the secret to making Pasta With Burst Cherry Tomatoes and XO Sauce such a flavor powerhouse. Each part brings its own magic—think bold sauces, tender pasta, and a fresh garden’s worth of aromatics.

• Kosher salt: Don’t be shy—a well-salted pasta water seasons everything from within.
• Short pasta (1 pound, like casarecce or gemelli): Twisted or tube-shaped pastas catch the creamy sauce and juicy tomato bits in every bite.
• Extra-virgin olive oil (¼ cup): Adds body and depth, forming the base for gently sautéed shallots and garlic.
• Shallots (2 medium, thinly sliced): Their mellow sweetness underpins the sauce—slice thin for the best texture.
• Garlic (4 cloves, thinly sliced): Brings gentle warmth and aroma without overpowering.
• Cherry tomatoes (1½ pounds): Ripe and juicy, they “burst” into a naturally rich, slightly tangy sauce.
• XO sauce (½ cup): The irresistibly savory, umami-rich backbone—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
• Ground dried Thai chiles or red pepper flakes (pinch, optional): For extra kick—adjust to your taste (or skip for a milder version).
• Fresh basil leaves (about 1 cup, chopped): Adds bright, classic Italian fragrance and freshness.
• Fresh mint leaves (about 1 cup, chopped): Mint’s cooling note balances out XO’s heat and tomato sweetness so perfectly.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Pasta With Burst Cherry Tomatoes and XO Sauce is just how much you can tweak it to suit any craving or dietary need. Get creative—this dish truly loves a riff or two!

• Make it Vegetarian: Many XO sauces contain dried seafood or ham—swap in a vegetarian version (look for “plant-based XO” or try chili crisp) for a meatless twist.
• Try Different Herbs: Don’t want to use mint? Parsley, chives, or cilantro all add a unique, fresh pop to balance the warmth of the sauce.
• Add Protein: Stir in sautéed shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cubes of crispy tofu if you’re after more staying power.
• Switch the Pasta: Use spaghetti, rigatoni, or even orzo—whatever’s in your pantry will soak up that luscious sauce.

How to Make Pasta With Burst Cherry Tomatoes and XO Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add your short pasta and cook until just shy of al dente—about one minute less than the package says. Before draining, scoop out about 1½ cups of the starchy cooking water (trust me, you’ll need it). Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add the sliced shallots and a pinch of salt, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes—don’t let them brown! Stir in your sliced garlic and cook a couple minutes more until everything smells deeply savory but still delicate.

Step 3: Burst the Tomatoes

Tumble all your cherry tomatoes into the skillet, shaking to spread them into a single layer. Let them cook, stirring and swirling the pan often, until the skins start to split and burst—about 5 minutes. Gently press some with a wooden spoon if needed. Keep some tomatoes whole for gorgeous juicy pops in the finished pasta.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Continue cooking and stirring until the tomato mixture transforms into a glossy, emulsified sauce—3 to 5 minutes more. Stir in the XO sauce and, if you like it spicy, a pinch of dried Thai chiles or red pepper flakes. Taste and add more salt if needed; the sauce should be fragrant, rich, and deeply savory.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add your cooked pasta and about half the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Turn the heat to high and toss everything together, letting the sauce coat the pasta and thicken to a beautifully silky texture—about 1 minute. If the sauce feels too tight, add more pasta water until it’s creamy and pools gently around the edges. Remove from heat, fold in the basil and mint, and season again if needed. Serve immediately, while it’s dazzlingly fresh.

How to Serve Pasta With Burst Cherry Tomatoes and XO Sauce

Garnishes

A tumble of freshly torn basil and mint at the very end is non-negotiable for signature freshness. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or a shaving of aged parmesan—just enough to accentuate the umami, not to hide it.

Side Dishes

This lively pasta is plenty satisfying all on its own, but I do love to pair it with a peppery green salad or garlicky steamed greens. If you’re going all out, serve it alongside some crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that luscious XO-fueled sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Pasta With Burst Cherry Tomatoes and XO Sauce family-style in a big, shallow bowl for maximum wow-factor at the table, or plate each portion atop a swirl of sauce, scattering more fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil to finish. Hosting a party? Try “pasta nests” in little ramekins or stuff into roasted peppers for a fun individual twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The Pasta With Burst Cherry Tomatoes and XO Sauce will keep for up to 2 days, but is truly best when enjoyed fresh for peak flavor and texture.

Freezing

While the pasta can technically be frozen, I wouldn’t recommend it—frozen tomatoes turn mushy and the herbs lose their brightness. For best results, savor Pasta With Burst Cherry Tomatoes and XO Sauce right after it’s made (or as next-day leftovers).

Reheating

Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help bring the sauce back to life. Stir in a fresh pinch of herbs at the end to revive its just-cooked vibrance!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving a standout weeknight meal or want to impress friends with something unexpected, Pasta With Burst Cherry Tomatoes and XO Sauce truly delivers. Exciting, effortless, and packed with flavor, this dish is bound to become a favorite—give it a try, and let every twirl transport you somewhere delicious!

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