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
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons thyme
1/4 cup cream, optional
1/2 cup basil, torn (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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.
Cook the cherry tomatoes:
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. Using an immersion blender, blend the cherry tomato mixture until smooth. If using cream, stir it in after blending for a richer, creamier sauce. You can also carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as 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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Family Dinners, Main Course, Sauces
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian