Name: Quick Cherry Tomato Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (about 450g) cherry or grape tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 small yellow onion or 1 shallot, finely diced (optional); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish; 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste; Pinch of sugar (1/4 – 1/2 tsp), optional, to balance acidity; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or dry red wine (e.g., Pinot Noir), optional; 1 lb spaghetti or preferred pasta shape; Reserved pasta water (approx. 1 cup); Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Description

This delightful cherry tomato spaghetti sauce recipe is your ticket to a vibrant, fresh, and incredibly flavorful meal in under 30 minutes. It’s a weeknight hero boasting natural sweetness and a silky texture.

Ingredients

1 lb (about 450g) cherry or grape tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 small yellow onion or 1 shallot, finely diced (optional)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Pinch of sugar (1/4 – 1/2 tsp), optional, to balance acidity
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or dry red wine (e.g., Pinot Noir), optional
1 lb spaghetti or preferred pasta shape
Reserved pasta water (approx. 1 cup)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Prep Ingredients: Wash tomatoes. Mince garlic and dice onion/shallot. Chop fresh herbs.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté garlic and onion/shallot for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Add whole cherry tomatoes to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and dried herbs (if using). Increase heat to medium-high.
Burst Tomatoes & Simmer: Cook for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and burst. Gently press any un-burst tomatoes with the back of a spoon. Reduce heat to low. If using red wine, add it now and simmer for 1 minute. Continue simmering for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors.
Finish with Herbs: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil, fresh oregano, and balsamic vinegar (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings.
Cook & Combine Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package directions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Add drained pasta directly to the sauce.
Emulsify & Serve: Add about 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the pan. Toss vigorously with tongs until the sauce is glossy and clings to the pasta. Add more pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins