Description
This vibrant and easy cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is bursting with fresh flavor and boasts a silky, rich texture. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but tastes like a gourmet meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) cherry tomatoes
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 – 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
- 1 tsp Kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: 1 Parmesan rind (for simmering)
- Optional: Pinch of sugar (if tomatoes are tart)
Instructions
- 1. Prep Tomatoes & Garlic: Wash cherry tomatoes. Mince or thinly slice garlic.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using); sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- 3. Add Tomatoes & Simmer: Add cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to coat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until tomatoes soften and begin to burst. (Add Parmesan rind now if using).
- 4. Burst & Mash: Uncover the pan. Use the back of a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently burst any remaining whole tomatoes. Stir well. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- 5. Finish & Season: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed. Remove Parmesan rind if used. Toss with your favorite cooked pasta and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30-35 mins