Description
Craft the ultimate fresh cherry tomato spaghetti sauce with this easy, vibrant recipe. Perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal that tastes like summer.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (approx. 900g) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion or 1 large shallot, diced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano or thyme (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar
- Optional: Pasta water for thinning (from cooked spaghetti)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Ingredients: Wash tomatoes. Mince garlic, dice onion/shallot, and chop basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion/shallot; cook until translucent (5-7 mins). Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Cook Tomatoes: Increase heat to medium-high. Add cherry tomatoes and fresh oregano/thyme (if using). Cook, stirring and occasionally pressing on tomatoes, until most have burst and released juices (8-12 mins).
- 4. Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5. Finish and Season: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional balsamic/sugar. Serve immediately over cooked spaghetti with fresh pasta water to thin, if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins