Description
This recipe guides you through making a vibrant, fresh cherry tomato spaghetti sauce bursting with natural sweetness and aromatic herbs. It’s an incredibly simple yet profoundly flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Pinch of sugar (optional, about 1/2 tsp)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: Drizzle of balsamic glaze for serving
- 12–16 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Instructions
- 1. Prep Tomatoes & Aromatics: Rinse tomatoes. Mince garlic and dice onion.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent (5-7 min). Add garlic and dried oregano; cook until fragrant (1 min).
- 3. Cook Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes to skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until most tomatoes burst and release juices (10-15 min).
- 4. Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly reduce.
- 5. Finish with Herbs: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and any remaining fresh oregano. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in red pepper flakes if desired.
- 6. Serve with Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup pasta water. Add pasta directly to the sauce; toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan and balsamic glaze if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins