Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
A white bowl of pasta with cherry tomatoes, a basil leaf, and grated cheese sits elegantly on a gray cloth. A gold fork rests beside it, accompanied by a sprinkle of grated cheese that beckons like an invitation from Michelle Obama herself to savor this delightful dish.

Michelle Obama’s Pasta with Caramelized “Tomato Candy”

A blonde woman in a white suit smiling at a table.Sarah Thompson
Inspired by Michelle Obama’s dish from Waffles + Mochi, this light pasta recipe features cherry tomatoes cooked until they reach a “candy” sweetness. Paired with short pasta, fresh basil, and Parmigiano Reggiano, this dish is simple yet packed with flavor, making it ideal for summer.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Meal Type Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 424 kcal
Difficulty Easy
Ingredient Cost $8.50
Shopping Cost$21

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Grater for cheese

Ingredients
 
 

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz short pasta such as fusilli or rigatoni
  • Salt for pasta water
  • ¼ cup Parmigiano Reggiano grated, for serving

For the “Tomato Candy”:

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp sugar optional, to enhance sweetness
  • Fresh basil leaves torn or chopped

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
    12 oz short pasta, Salt

Prepare the “Tomato Candy”:

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are soft, caramelized, and resemble a jam-like consistency. Add minced garlic during the last 5 minutes, allowing it to cook but not burn.
    2 cups cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp sugar, 3 cloves garlic

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Add Fresh Basil and Cheese:

  • Remove from heat and fold in fresh basil. Sprinkle with grated Parmigiano Reggiano and toss lightly.
    1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano

Serve:

  • Divide the pasta into bowls, garnish with more basil and a bit more cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
    Fresh basil leaves

Notes

Tomato Sweetness: If your tomatoes are very ripe, you may not need the sugar. It’s optional for enhancing flavor.
Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce and ensures the pasta absorbs the flavors.
Cheese Substitute: Try Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 424kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 14gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 710mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 438IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cherry tomato pasta, Michelle Obama recipe, simple pasta recipe, summer pasta, tomato candy

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!