This bright and tasty cherry tomato basil sauce is perfect for pasta! It only takes a few minutes to cook and uses fresh ingredients to make every bite burst with flavor.
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of fresh basil in the kitchen. I like to toss the sauce with spaghetti and sprinkle some cheese on top—it’s a simple pleasure that makes my day!
I love how quick it is to whip up this sauce on busy nights. Just sauté those sweet cherry tomatoes and stir in fresh basil—dinner is served in a flash!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: These are the stars of the sauce! Their natural sweetness makes the sauce vibrant. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can use grape tomatoes or even regular diced tomatoes. Just adjust the cooking time for bigger tomatoes.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a strong flavor. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can be a substitute; just use about 1/4 teaspoon. Some prefer roasting the garlic first for a milder taste.
Fresh Basil: Nothing beats fresh basil for this sauce. If it’s unavailable, try using dried basil, but use less since it’s more potent—about 1 teaspoon should do. You could also consider using parsley for a different flavor profile.
Balsamic Vinegar: It adds a nice depth, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it, a splash of lemon juice can brighten up the sauce nicely. I sometimes skip it if I’m in a hurry; the fresh tomatoes shine on their own!
How Do I Get the Perfectly Cooked Tomatoes?
Cooking the tomatoes just right is key for a great sauce. You want them soft, juicy, and sweet. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a medium heat; this helps the tomatoes cook evenly without burning.
- Stir occasionally, so they don’t stick to the skillet. You’ll know they’re ready when they burst and become saucy, usually in about 8-10 minutes.
- If you want a chunkier sauce, you can leave some tomatoes whole. For a smoother sauce, crush the tomatoes slightly with your spoon while they cook.
Quick and Easy Cherry Tomato Basil Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)
- Pasta of your choice, for serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sauce takes about 5 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, so in just 15 minutes, you can have a fresh, home-cooked meal ready to go! Perfect for a quick dinner after a busy day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Olive Oil:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot, but not smoking!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Once the oil is hot, add in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.
3. Cook the Cherry Tomatoes:
Now, it’s time to add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir them occasionally, cooking for around 8-10 minutes, until they soften and start releasing their juices. This is what will create a deliciously fresh sauce!
4. Season the Sauce:
Once the tomatoes are cooked down, season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
5. Add Fresh Basil and Vinegar:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. If you’re using balsamic vinegar for depth, add that in too. This will give your sauce a beautiful glossy finish.
6. Toss with Pasta:
Toss the sauce with your favorite cooked pasta until everything is well-coated. Make sure the pasta is hot enough to absorb all the lovely flavors of the sauce!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. This dish is colorful, bursting with flavor, and best enjoyed right away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, you can substitute grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Just adjust the cooking time as larger tomatoes may take a bit longer to soften.
How Do I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens up too much.
Can I Make This Without Garlic?
Yes, you can! If you’re avoiding garlic, feel free to leave it out. You might consider adding some extra herbs—like oregano or Italian seasoning—to maintain flavor. If you enjoy a sweeter sauce, you can also toss in a pinch of sugar!
What Pasta Pairs Best with This Sauce?
This sauce works well with almost any pasta! However, I recommend lighter shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or penne that can easily carry the sauce. For a healthier option, try it with zucchini noodles or whole grain pasta.
