Description
This vibrant cherry tomato spaghetti sauce brings the taste of summer to your table with minimal effort. It’s a quick, fresh, and intensely flavorful sauce that will become your new go-to for pasta nights.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) fresh cherry tomatoes
- 4–5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn or chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Optional: 1 finely minced shallot or 1/4 small onion
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Reserved pasta water
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Ingredients: Wash cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice garlic. Prepare basil for later.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil, sliced garlic (and optional red pepper flakes/shallot/onion). Sauté gently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- 3. Simmer Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most tomatoes have burst and softened.
- 4. Mash and Finish Sauce: Use a potato masher or fork to gently mash about 1/2 to 2/3 of the tomatoes to thicken the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil.
- 5. Cook Pasta & Combine: Cook pasta al dente according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add drained pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Add a splash or two of reserved pasta water and toss vigorously until sauce coats pasta. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins