Description
This easy cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is bursting with sweet, fresh flavors and comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight meal. Naturally creamy and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for finishing
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn or chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Wash tomatoes and slice garlic. Cook spaghetti according to package directions in heavily salted water until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- 2. In a large skillet or wide pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using); sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- 3. Add cherry tomatoes to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until tomatoes soften, wrinkle, and burst. Gently press some with a spoon to release juices.
- 4. Add drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sauce. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and stir vigorously, allowing the sauce to emulsify and cling to the pasta. Add more pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Stir in fresh basil.
- 5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately with a drizzle of fresh olive oil and a grating of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins