Description
Unlock the vibrant taste of summer with this incredibly easy and flavorful cherry tomato spaghetti sauce. It’s a quick weeknight marvel that burst with fresh, sweet, and tangy notes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1 small shallot or 1/4 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1–2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or good quality balsamic vinegar, reduced)
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 lb spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Wash tomatoes, mince garlic, dice shallot. Set aside fresh basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, shallot, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- 3. Add Tomatoes & Simmer: Add cherry tomatoes, Parmesan rind (if using), salt, pepper, and pinch of sugar. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently smashing tomatoes, until most have burst and formed a sauce.
- 4. Finish Sauce: Remove Parmesan rind. Stir in fresh basil, dried oregano, and balsamic glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 5. Cook Pasta & Serve: While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Add cooked pasta directly to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins