Description
This simple yet incredibly flavorful cherry tomato spaghetti sauce bursts with natural sweetness and boasts a silky-smooth texture. It’s the perfect weeknight meal solution that tastes like it simmered all day.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of sugar to balance acidity
Instructions
- 1. Prep Tomatoes & Garlic: Rinse cherry tomatoes. Mince garlic. Have basil and any optional add-ins ready.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- 3. Simmer Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stir to coat. Cover the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are very soft and have burst.
- 4. Mash & Finish: Use the back of a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently mash the tomatoes in the pan for a rustic sauce. (For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender lightly.) Stir in fresh basil. Cook for 1 minute.
- 5. Season: Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust with a pinch of sugar if needed to enhance sweetness. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins