Description
This quick and easy cherry tomato spaghetti sauce bursts with fresh, sweet-tart flavors, making it a perfect weeknight meal. It’s a light yet deeply satisfying sauce that celebrates the natural goodness of ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1 small shallot or 1/4 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar or balsamic glaze (optional, for brightness)
- Parmesan rind (optional, for simmering)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes. Mince garlic and finely dice shallot/onion. Roughly chop basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, shallot, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant, without browning.
- 3. Simmer Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the pan along with optional parmesan rind. Stir to coat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on medium-low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes have burst and softened into a rustic sauce. Mash any remaining whole tomatoes with a spoon.
- 4. Finish Sauce: Remove parmesan rind. Stir in fresh basil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust with a pinch of sugar or a splash of vinegar if needed for balance.
- 5. Serve: Toss warm sauce with cooked pasta, a splash of pasta water, and serve immediately with fresh Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins