Name: Vibrant Cherry Tomato Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (about 4-5 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 4-5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity); 1/4 cup reserved pasta water or vegetable broth; 12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta; Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, for serving

Description

Craft this incredibly fresh and flavorful cherry tomato spaghetti sauce in under 30 minutes, bursting with natural sweetness and aromatic herbs. It’s the perfect light yet satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs (about 4–5 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4–5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water or vegetable broth
12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Prep Tomatoes & Garlic: Wash cherry tomatoes. Mince garlic. If using dried herbs, have them ready. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. Sauté Tomatoes: In a large, wide skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, until they soften and begin to burst, releasing their juices. Use the back of a spoon to gently crush any un-burst tomatoes.
3. Add Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add dried oregano now if using.
4. Simmer Sauce: Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (or broth) to the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and an optional pinch of sugar. Stir well and let simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
6. Finish & Serve: Remove sauce from heat. Stir in chopped fresh basil. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash more pasta water if needed for desired consistency. Serve immediately, topped with more fresh basil and grated cheese.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins