Description
This vibrant and fresh cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is bursting with natural sweetness and aromatic garlic. It’s a light yet satisfying sauce that comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but recommended)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Wash tomatoes, mince garlic, and chop most of the basil, reserving some for garnish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes & Simmer: Add cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook on medium-high for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes burst. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Mash & Reduce: Uncover and gently mash some of the tomatoes with a potato masher or spoon. Simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Stir in Fresh Herbs & Adjust: Remove from heat. Stir in chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins