Description
Whip up this vibrant, fresh cherry tomato spaghetti sauce for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Blistered cherry tomatoes burst with sweet, aromatic flavor that clings perfectly to al dente pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4–5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant; do not brown.
- Increase heat to medium-high, add cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-12 minutes until tomatoes blister and burst. Gently smash some with a spoon.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Remove sauce from heat, stir in fresh basil.
- Add drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a luscious sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve immediately, optionally with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins