Description
Create the best flavor cherry tomato spaghetti sauce with our step-by-step easy recipe. This fresh and vibrant sauce is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- Pinch of sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- 1. Prep Tomatoes and Aromatics: Wash tomatoes; mince garlic. Have basil ready.
- 2. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3. Add Tomatoes and Cook: Increase heat to medium. Add tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst.
- 4. Simmer and Reduce: Remove lid, lower heat to simmer. Cook 5-10 minutes more to thicken and concentrate flavors.
- 5. Mash or Blend (Optional): For a chunkier sauce, mash tomatoes with a potato masher. For smoother, blend half of the sauce or use an immersion blender until desired consistency.
- 6. Stir in Basil and Season: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and optional sugar as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins