Description
This vibrant cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is bursting with sun-kissed sweetness and boasts a perfect whisper of acidity. It’s light yet incredibly flavorful, clinging beautifully to your favorite pasta, and so easy to make in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely diced
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup dry red or white wine (optional, or 2 tbsp red wine vinegar + 1/4 cup broth)
- 1/2 – 1 tsp sugar (optional, to taste)
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes, dice onion/shallot, mince garlic, and chop basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (3-5 mins), then add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Add Tomatoes & Liquids: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Add red wine (if using) and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low-medium.
- 4. Simmer Sauce: Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and soften. Gently crush some tomatoes with a spoon or masher. Stir in basil during the last 5 minutes.
- 5. Finish & Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings. Toss the sauce with freshly cooked pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to bind. Garnish with more fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins