Description
Unlock the best flavor with this cherry tomato spaghetti sauce recipe. Our step-by-step guide makes it easy to create a delicious and fresh pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (approx. 4 cups) cherry tomatoes
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12–16 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1/2 – 1 cup reserved pasta water
- Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, for serving
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Wash cherry tomatoes. Mince garlic and chop basil. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Increase heat to medium. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most tomatoes have burst and softened. Gently press any un-burst tomatoes with a spoon.
- Simmer and Season: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- Finish with Basil: Remove from heat and stir in most of the fresh basil.
- Toss with Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta. Add drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss vigorously until the pasta is well-coated and the sauce is emulsified. Add more pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with remaining fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins