Description
A vibrant and incredibly flavorful homemade cherry tomato spaghetti sauce that’s miles ahead of store-bought. Sweet, tangy, and bursting with fresh tomato goodness, it’s perfect for any pasta night.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry tomatoes
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons dry red wine or balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Wash cherry tomatoes. Mince garlic. Chop basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics & Burst Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes, increase heat to medium-high, and cook for 8-12 minutes, stirring and occasionally pressing tomatoes, until most have burst and released their juices.
- 3. Simmer & Season: Reduce heat to low. Stir in optional red wine or balsamic, simmer 1-2 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- 4. Adjust Texture: For a chunky sauce, mash remaining tomatoes with a fork. For smooth, blend a portion or all of the sauce with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until desired consistency.
- 5. Finish: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins