Description
This simple yet incredibly flavorful cherry tomato spaghetti sauce is bright, fresh, and bursting with the sweet taste of roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic. It’s a go-to weeknight dinner that tastes like pure summer.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4–6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
- Optional: pinch red pepper flakes
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for serving
- 1 lb spaghetti or your preferred pasta
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, spread cherry tomatoes and garlic. Drizzle generously with olive oil, salt, and pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using). Toss to coat.
- Roast Tomatoes: Roast for 25-35 minutes, or until tomatoes are burst, softened, and slightly caramelized.
- Simmer Sauce: Transfer roasted tomatoes and all juices to a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Mash & Season: Gently mash some of the tomatoes with a spoon or potato masher for a desired consistency. Stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Toss with Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package directions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and add directly to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a luscious sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with more fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins