Description
Whip up this vibrant and flavorful cherry tomato spaghetti sauce in under 30 minutes for a truly authentic Italian weeknight meal. Enjoy the natural sweetness and tangy burst of fresh tomatoes with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or dry red wine
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- Reserved pasta water for finishing
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes, mince garlic, and chop herbs. Start boiling pasta water.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3. Cook Down Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Increase heat to medium and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently crushing some tomatoes with a spoon until they burst and break down.
- 4. Add Herbs & Simmer: Stir in most of the fresh basil and oregano, salt, and pepper. Add balsamic/wine if using. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors.
- 5. Finish & Serve: Cook spaghetti al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then add spaghetti directly to the sauce. Toss, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce. Garnish with remaining herbs and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins