Description
Whip up this incredibly fresh and flavorful cherry tomato spaghetti sauce in under 30 minutes! It’s a vibrant, light, yet satisfying sauce perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (approx. 450g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1/2 – 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes, mince garlic, and chop basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using); sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3. Simmer Tomatoes: Add halved tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and soften.
- 4. Mash & Thicken: Uncover and gently mash about two-thirds of the tomatoes with a wooden spoon or potato masher. Simmer for 5-7 minutes more to thicken slightly.
- 5. Finish Sauce: Remove from heat, stir in most of the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 6. Combine with Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package directions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Drain spaghetti and add to the sauce. Toss, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins