Description
This easy cherry tomato spaghetti sauce recipe offers vibrant, naturally sweet flavor with a velvety texture. It’s a quick and delicious weeknight favorite that tastes gourmet.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 4–5 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Wash tomatoes. Mince garlic and roughly chop basil.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most tomatoes have burst. Gently press some tomatoes to release juices.
- Simmer Sauce: Uncover and simmer for another 5-10 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.
- Cook Pasta & Finish: While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Drain pasta. Add drained spaghetti and fresh basil to the sauce. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and toss vigorously. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with more fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins