Description
This quick and delicious cherry tomato spaghetti sauce bursts with fresh flavor, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. It’s perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner that tastes gourmet.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (approx. 680g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 12 oz (approx. 340g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water (optional, for thinning sauce)
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients & Cook Pasta: Halve cherry tomatoes and mince garlic. Start cooking spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics & Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add halved cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), a generous pinch of salt, and pepper.
- 3. Simmer & Reduce: Increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and burst, about 8-10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and flavors to concentrate.
- 4. Mash for Texture: Gently mash some of the tomatoes against the side of the pan with the back of a spoon or potato masher to create a rustic texture.
- 5. Finish & Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and grated cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add cooked pasta directly to the sauce, tossing to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately with extra cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins