Description
A delightful and quick homemade spaghetti sauce bursting with the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Perfect for a speedy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti or pasta of choice, cooked al dente
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes, slice garlic, and chop basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using); sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- 3. Simmer Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and burst.
- 4. Smash & Season: Uncover and gently smash some of the tomatoes with the back of a spoon to create a saucier consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- 5. Finish: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Serve immediately over cooked pasta, garnishing with extra basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins