Description
This easy cherry tomato spaghetti sauce recipe delivers vibrant, fresh flavors in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, it highlights the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Ingredients: Wash tomatoes. Mince garlic. Chop basil, reserving some for garnish. Grate Parmesan.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- 3. Simmer Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are soft and bursting.
- 4. Mash and Season: Uncover the skillet. Use the back of a spoon or potato masher to gently mash any remaining whole tomatoes to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- 5. Finish Sauce: Remove from heat. Stir in most of the fresh basil and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until just combined.
- 6. Cook and Combine Pasta: While sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain. Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a glossy sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining basil and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins