Description
Create a vibrant, fresh, and deeply flavorful cherry tomato spaghetti sauce with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners and bursting with natural sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 900g) cherry or grape tomatoes (mixed colors if possible)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ – ½ tsp granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning/emulsifying)
Instructions
- 1. Prep Tomatoes & Aromatics: Wash tomatoes. Halve larger ones; leave smaller ones whole. Finely chop onion and mince garlic.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent (5-7 mins). Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 min).
- 3. Simmer Tomatoes: Add tomatoes, dried oregano (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst.
- 4. Mash & Finish: Uncover and use a potato masher or spoon to mash tomatoes to desired consistency. Stir in fresh basil. Simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes more to thicken and meld flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 5. Serve: Toss with your favorite cooked pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if desired for a creamier sauce. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35-40 mins