Description
This vibrant cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish, bursting with sweet, tangy notes from fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil. It’s an easy-to-make, rustic sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, some lightly crushed
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- Pinch of sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes, 1 small Parmesan rind
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wide pot over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Do not brown.
- Add cherry tomatoes (crushed and whole). Stir to coat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst. Add Parmesan rind if using.
- Gently mash remaining whole tomatoes with a wooden spoon until desired consistency is reached. Remove Parmesan rind.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Taste and adjust.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
- Serve immediately over your favorite pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins