Description
Discover how to make the most vibrant and flavorful cherry tomato spaghetti sauce from scratch. This simple recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and delivers incredible fresh taste.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 900g) cherry tomatoes, halved or left whole
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Cooked spaghetti, for serving
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Ingredients. Wash tomatoes. Mince garlic. Prepare basil.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant; do not brown.
- Step 3: Simmer Tomatoes. Add cherry tomatoes to the pan. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring and gently mashing some tomatoes until they burst and release juices. Reduce heat to low, add half of the fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until slightly thickened and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Finish and Serve. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins