Description
Create the best cherry tomato spaghetti sauce with this quick and flavorful recipe. Perfect for a delicious weeknight meal that tastes gourmet.
Ingredients
- 1 pint (approx. 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 4–5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice garlic and finely dice onion.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
- 3. Add Tomatoes & Simmer: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and burst (8-10 minutes).
- 4. Crush Tomatoes: Use the back of a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently crush about half of the cooked tomatoes, releasing their juices and creating texture.
- 5. Finish with Herbs: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and oregano. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- 6. Serve: Toss with cooked spaghetti and a splash of reserved pasta water (if desired). Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese if using.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes