Description
Master this easy and incredibly flavorful cherry tomato spaghetti sauce recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or good quality balsamic vinegar)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for serving
- Optional: 1/4 – 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes, mince garlic, and chop basil. Get pasta water boiling.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- 3. Cook Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until tomatoes soften and burst. Gently crush any remaining whole tomatoes with the back of a spoon.
- 4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water.
- 5. Finish & Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and balsamic glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning. Toss with cooked al dente pasta, adding a little pasta water if needed to create a glossy sauce. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins