Description
This vibrant cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is incredibly fresh, sweet, and tangy, bursting with the natural flavors of ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil. It’s an effortlessly delicious weeknight meal that tastes like pure sunshine.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 4–5 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved if large
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Ingredients: Wash and halve tomatoes if necessary. Mince garlic. Prepare basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- 3. Burst Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Increase heat to high. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring and gently pressing tomatoes to burst and release their juices.
- 4. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- 5. Finish: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Toss with cooked pasta and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins