Description
This easy-to-make roasted cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor. It’s a quick and delicious weeknight meal that tastes gourmet.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 6–8 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, for balance)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- (Optional) 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, chopped
- 1 pound spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Tomatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, spread out the cherry tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 2: Roast for Flavor. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and softened, and the garlic is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Step 3: Peel Garlic & Mash Tomatoes. Remove from oven. Carefully peel the roasted garlic cloves. Transfer roasted tomatoes and garlic to a large skillet or pot. Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently mash some of the tomatoes, creating a saucier consistency while leaving some whole for texture.
- Step 4: Simmer & Finish Sauce. Add fresh basil leaves (and oregano, if using) to the skillet. Stir in the optional pinch of sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 5: Cook Pasta & Combine. While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta.
- Step 6: Serve. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash or two of reserved pasta water if needed to create a glossy, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins