Description
This vibrant, rustic cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is bursting with fresh flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights. Enjoy a naturally sweet and bright sauce with a delightful chunky texture that clings beautifully to pasta.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for finishing, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar (to balance acidity)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Ingredients: Wash and halve all cherry tomatoes. Mince garlic.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant; do not brown.
- 3. Cook Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-12 minutes until tomatoes soften, skins wrinkle, and most have burst.
- 4. Mash & Simmer: Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the tomatoes, leaving some chunky. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes to thicken sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5. Finish with Basil: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins