Description
This vibrant cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is bursting with fresh flavor and comes together quickly. It’s a simple, elegant meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes, mince garlic, and chop basil. Start boiling generously salted water for pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until tomatoes burst and soften.
- Smash and Simmer: Gently smash about half of the cooked tomatoes with a spoon. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in most of the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine with Pasta: Drain cooked pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Add pasta directly to the sauce, tossing vigorously with splashes of reserved pasta water until coated and glossy. Serve immediately with extra basil and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins