Description
Create the best flavor cherry tomato spaghetti sauce with our step-by-step easy to make recipe guide. This quick, flavorful sauce is perfect for busy weeknights and bursting with natural sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
- 1/2 – 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 10–12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (or more, as needed)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Increase heat to medium. Add halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir to coat. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes have burst and formed a sauce. Mash any stubborn tomatoes with the back of a spoon.
- While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add a splash or two of reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked and drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine.
- Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins