Description
This easy recipe for cherry tomato spaghetti sauce creates a vibrant, flavorful pasta dish in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 small onion or 1 shallot, finely minced
- Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- 12–16 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes, mince garlic (and optional onion/shallot), and chop basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and optional onion/shallot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3. Add Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and burst. Gently press some with a spoon.
- 4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- 5. Finish: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Toss immediately with cooked spaghetti and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins