Description
Discover how to make the most delicious homemade cherry tomato spaghetti sauce with this easy-to-follow recipe. Bursting with fresh flavors and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for any weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
- Pinch of granulated sugar (optional, for balance)
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano or thyme (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
- Cooked spaghetti, for serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes, mince garlic, and dice onion.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3. Cook Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring and pressing on tomatoes occasionally, until they burst and release juices, 10-15 minutes.
- 4. Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low, add oregano/thyme sprigs (if using). Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- 5. Finish and Serve: Remove herb sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in chopped fresh basil. Toss with cooked spaghetti and a splash of reserved pasta water if desired. Garnish with Parmesan and extra basil.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins