Description
This simple yet incredibly flavorful cherry tomato spaghetti sauce bursts with fresh, sweet tomato goodness. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that tastes like summer on a plate.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Wash tomatoes, slice garlic, chop basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 3. Add Tomatoes: Increase heat to medium-high. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring, until skins blister.
- 4. Burst & Simmer: Gently burst about half the tomatoes with a spoon. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until saucy.
- 5. Cook Pasta: While sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
- 6. Season & Finish: Stir fresh basil into the sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust.
- 7. Combine: Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss vigorously to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins