Description
A vibrant and fresh homemade cherry tomato spaghetti sauce bursting with sweet-tangy flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 6 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes, Parmesan rind
Instructions
- Prep Tomatoes and Garlic: Rinse and pat dry cherry tomatoes. Mince garlic.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they blister and burst. Gently press on any un-burst tomatoes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in optional sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Blend (Optional) and Season: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or standard blender to process to desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, sugar) as needed.
- Toss with Pasta and Fresh Basil: Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Drain pasta and add directly to the sauce. Stir in chopped fresh basil and toss for 1-2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins