Description
This vibrant and fresh cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is bursting with sun-kissed flavor and comes together quickly. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that tastes gourmet.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 4–5 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- ¼ – ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Reserved pasta water (for thinning, if needed)
Instructions
- 1. Prep Tomatoes & Aromatics: Rinse cherry tomatoes. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent (5-7 mins). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Add Tomatoes & Season: Add cherry tomatoes to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and optional sugar and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- 4. Cook Tomatoes: Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and release their juices (10-15 mins). Gently press with a spoon to aid bursting.
- 5. Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- 6. Finish & Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, adding reserved pasta water if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins