Simple Tomato Sauce
This simple 5-ingredient tomato sauce is so easy to make and full of fresh flavor. I also love that it can be ready in just about the amount of time that it takes to boil your pasta.
Servings: 2 people
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- ΒΌ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves slightly crushed
- 10 fresh basil leaves plus a few stems
- Pinch kosher salt
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
Instructions
- Cook the pasta 1 minute shy of al dente and set aside, reserving some of the pasta water.
- Add the oil to a skillet with enough room to fit the sauce and the pasta. Cook on medium for a couple of minutes, then add some basil stems, the garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Allow this to cook gently, making sure to not burn anything. Cook about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the tomatoes in the oil, then lower the heat to low and cover. Let cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft enough to smoosh with the back of a wooden spoon.
- Smoosh the tomatoes, then let simmer for another couple of minutes. Remove the basil stems and garlic, then add in plenty of fresh basil leaves.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and stir to coat in the sauce, adding a touch of the reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add the spaghetti to a plate, making sure to spoon the leftover sauce on top. Add a good grating of freshly grated Locatelli or Parm, more fresh basil, and red pepper flakes if using.