Description
This vibrant cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is a quick, fresh, and incredibly flavorful meal solution for any night of the week. It highlights the natural sweetness and tang of sun-ripened tomatoes in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, whole
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Optional: 1 small shallot or 1/4 small onion, finely minced
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Gather and prepare all ingredients. Mince garlic, wash tomatoes, chop basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic (and optional shallot/onion), sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant; do not burn.
- 3. Cook Tomatoes: Add whole cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the pan. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and burst. Use a spoon or masher to gently burst more tomatoes.
- 4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken. Add a splash of pasta water if too thick.
- 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: 20 mins