Description
This quick and easy cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is bursting with fresh, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for finishing
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon sugar or 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Wash tomatoes. Mince garlic. Chop basil. Gather remaining ingredients.
- Sauté Garlic and Chili: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes and Cook Until Bursting: Add tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-12 minutes until tomatoes soften and burst.
- Mash and Simmer: Use a potato masher or fork to gently mash remaining whole tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and thicken sauce.
- Stir in Fresh Basil and Season: Remove from heat. Stir in chopped fresh basil. Add optional sugar or balsamic if desired. Drizzle with a final touch of good quality extra virgin olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins