Description
This vibrant cherry tomato spaghetti sauce celebrates the natural sweetness of sun-kissed tomatoes. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh flavor, and perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes
- 3–4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn or chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Wash cherry tomatoes. Slice garlic. Tear basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- 3. Cook Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until they soften and burst. Gently press some with a spoon.
- 4. Season & Simmer: Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir well. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes for flavors to meld.
- 5. Finish with Herbs: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil.
- 6. Cook Pasta: While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 7. Combine: Add drained spaghetti directly to the sauce. Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins