Description
This easy cherry tomato spaghetti sauce recipe is a weeknight miracle, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors in under 30 minutes. It’s naturally sweet, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for a quick, delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 6 cups) cherry tomatoes, washed
- 4–6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- 12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Mince garlic and have basil ready.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3. Cook Tomatoes: Add whole cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to burst (5-7 minutes).
- 4. Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing tomatoes to break down and juices to thicken into a sauce.
- 5. Mash for Texture: Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to lightly mash some tomatoes for a chunkier sauce, or use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
- 6. Cook Pasta: While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions in generously salted water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 7. Finish Sauce and Serve: Remove sauce from heat. Stir in fresh basil. Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed for silkiness. Serve immediately with extra basil and Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins