tomato pasta sauce
Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
A fresh cherry tomato basil pasta sauce made by bursting sweet tomatoes with garlic and olive oil in one skillet.
5Prep min
18Cook min
23Total min
4 servingsYield
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Recipe card
Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb (680 g) cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup torn basil
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan, optional
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
- 2
Add cherry tomatoes and salt. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most tomatoes burst.
- 3
Press a few tomatoes with the back of a spoon to create more sauce.
- 4
Add cooked pasta and a small splash of pasta water. Toss until glossy.
- 5
Remove from heat and fold in basil and parmesan if using.
Helpful notes
- A mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes gives a balanced flavor.
- Do not overcook the basil; add it after the pan leaves the heat.
This sauce is excellent with spaghetti, linguine, orecchiette or small shells.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to preserve the fresh tomato texture.