Description
Discover an easy-to-make cherry tomato spaghetti sauce recipe with step-by-step instructions for the best flavor. This vibrant, silky sauce, bursting with sweet, sun-kissed cherry tomatoes, clings perfectly to every strand of pasta for a truly delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- 1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes (about 4 cups)
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or wide pan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add cherry tomatoes to the pan. Increase heat to medium and cook for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften, shrivel, and burst.
- Use the back of a spoon or potato masher to gently crush any remaining whole tomatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, if the sauce seems too thick.
- Remove from heat. Stir in fresh chopped basil and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Add the drained spaghetti directly to the pan with the sauce. Toss vigorously until every strand is coated. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve a glossy consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with remaining Parmesan and extra fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins