Description
Discover the best flavor in this cherry tomato spaghetti sauce recipe. Follow our step-by-step guide for an easy to make weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 4–5 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 – 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped + more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti or desired pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- 1. Prep Your Ingredients: Wash tomatoes, mince garlic, roughly chop basil. Start boiling a pot of generously salted water for pasta.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- 3. Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Increase heat to medium. Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute until it darkens. Add cherry tomatoes, stir to coat.
- 4. Simmer and Burst: Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tomatoes burst, stirring occasionally. Uncover and mash any remaining whole tomatoes with the back of a spoon. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- 5. Incorporate Pasta and Pasta Water: Cook spaghetti to al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Transfer al dente pasta to the skillet with sauce. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and toss vigorously until sauce emulsifies and coats pasta.
- 6. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Seasoning: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins