Description
Create the best flavor cherry tomato spaghetti sauce with our step-by-step easy recipe. This homemade sauce is bursting with sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry tomatoes, various colors preferred
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry red wine or balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice, for serving
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Prep Tomatoes & Aromatics: Rinse cherry tomatoes. Halve larger ones; leave smaller ones whole. Mince garlic and dice onion.
- 2. Sear Tomatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes in a single layer and sear for 5-7 minutes until blistered and lightly charred. Remove from pan and set aside.
- 3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed) to the pan. Sauté diced onion until softened (about 3-4 minutes), then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4. Simmer Sauce: Return seared tomatoes to the pan. If using, add red wine or balsamic vinegar and reduce for 1 minute. Add water/broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, crushing some tomatoes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken. Season with salt, pepper, and optional sugar.
- 5. Finish & Serve: Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving. Toss with cooked pasta, adding a splash of pasta water if desired for consistency. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins