This cherry tomato spaghetti sauce (budget-friendly!) is perfect if you’ve ever wondered what to do with extra cherry tomatoes. This pasta sauce recipe takes an easy 30 minutes to make with simple ingredients.
I ❤️ Pasta
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💰 WHY IS THIS BUDGET-FRIENDLY?
- Uses affordable pantry staples – olive oil, garlic, and dried thyme are kitchen regulars.
- Cherry tomatoes stretch far – roasting brings out their sweetness, so you need fewer ingredients for flavor.
- Cream is optional – even without it, the sauce is silky and rich from blended tomatoes and makes the ultimate Italian pasta dish!
🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups cherry (or grape) tomatoes, halved
Pinch of salt and black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
¼ cup cream (optional, but makes it dreamy and creamy)
½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1 pound (450 g) spaghetti
¼ cup shredded cheese of choice (Parmesan is my favorite, but anything that melts!)
👩🏼🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method
Cook your spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti until al dente according to the package directions. Drain, but keep about ½ cup of the pasta water for later.
Roast the tomatoes (on the stove):
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir occasionally and let the tomatoes cook down for 10–12 minutes, until they burst and get soft and jammy.
Add garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t let it burn — golden is perfect.
Blend:
Turn off the heat. Pour in the cream. Using an immersion blender, blend the roasted tomato mixture until smooth. (You can also transfer it carefully to a blender if you prefer.) Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Add the pasta:
Toss your cooked spaghetti into the creamy tomato sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if it feels too thick.
Finish with basil:
Tear the fresh basil over the top and toss gently. Serve warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like (optional, but always a good idea). It makes the ultimate creamy tomato basil pasta.
🍝 MY FAVORITE PASTA RECIPES TO TRY NEXT TIME
Pasta Al Pesto (budget style!)
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
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CHERRY TOMATO SPAGHETTI SAUCE (BUDGET!)
- Total Time: 5 min Prep Time + 20 min cook Time = 25 min Total Time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This cherry tomato spaghetti sauce (budget-friendly!) is perfect if you’ve ever wondered what to do with extra cherry tomatoes. This pasta sauce recipe takes an easy 30 minutes to make with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups cherry tomatoes
pinch of salt and pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons thyme
¼ cup cream, optional
½ cup basil, torn (optional)
¼ cup shredded cheese of choice (Parmesan is my favorite, but anything that melts!)
Instructions
Cook your spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti until al dente according to the package directions. Drain, but keep about ½ cup of the pasta water for later.
Roast the tomatoes (on the stove):
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir occasionally and let the tomatoes cook down for 10–12 minutes, until they burst and get soft and jammy.
Add garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t let it burn — golden is perfect.
Blend:
Turn off the heat. Pour in the cream. Using an immersion blender, blend the roasted tomato mixture until smooth. (You can also transfer it carefully to a blender if you prefer.) Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Add the pasta:
Toss your cooked spaghetti into the creamy tomato sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if it feels too thick.
Finish with basil:
Tear the fresh basil over the top and toss gently. Serve warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like (optional, but always a good idea). It makes the ultimate creamy tomato basil pasta.
Notes
No cream? No problem! You can leave it out or use a spoonful of cream cheese or thick Greek yogurt to get that creamy texture.
Budget hack: Cherry or grape tomatoes are often cheaper in bulk — grab a big box and roast the extras for tomorrow’s toast or soup!
Add protein: Toss in chickpeas or shredded chicken to make it heartier.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Category: Main Course, Family Dinners, Sauces
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian
Nikki says
Let me know if you have any questions ❤️ Nikki