Description
This vibrant cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is incredibly fresh, bursting with natural sweetness, and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect light and flavorful meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 6 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Tomatoes: Wash and halve all cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
- 2. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wide pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- 3. Cook Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently pressing some tomatoes with the back of a spoon to release juices, until they burst and form a rustic sauce.
- 4. Season and Add Basil: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil leaves. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 5. Combine with Pasta: While sauce cooks, boil pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water. Add drained pasta directly to the sauce and toss to combine. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins