Description
An incredibly fresh and vibrant cherry tomato spaghetti sauce, bursting with natural sweetness and aromatic basil. This easy recipe comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (approx. 4 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons good quality olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, packed and torn
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8–12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prep Tomatoes: Wash and halve all cherry tomatoes.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using); sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- 3. Cook Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with a pinch of salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst.
- 4. Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, gently mashing some tomatoes to thicken the sauce.
- 5. Finish: Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, and adjust seasoning to taste.
- 6. Combine with Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Toss drained pasta directly with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Serve immediately with optional Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20-25 mins