Description
Transform simple cherry tomatoes into a vibrant, bursting spaghetti sauce with minimal effort. This recipe delivers maximum fresh flavor, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (approx. 680g) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 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 lb spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (more if needed)
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Wash tomatoes, slice garlic, gather basil, olive oil, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- 3. Cook Tomatoes: Increase heat to medium. Add cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-12 minutes until they blister, soften, and burst. Gently mash some with a spoon. Season lightly.
- 4. Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- 5. Finish Sauce: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- 6. Combine & Serve: Add drained spaghetti and a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss until well coated and glossy, adding more pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins