Description
Create a vibrant and incredibly flavorful cherry tomato spaghetti sauce with this easy, quick recipe. Enjoy the natural sweetness of burst tomatoes coating every strand of pasta for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (approx. 680g) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 12 oz (approx. 340g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Rinse cherry tomatoes. Mince garlic.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- 3. Cook Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Increase heat to medium. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and soften.
- 4. Mash and Thicken: Remove lid. Use the back of a spoon or potato masher to gently mash any remaining whole tomatoes. Simmer uncovered for another 5-7 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 5. Finish: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Serve immediately over cooked spaghetti, garnished with extra basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins