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Learn how to make Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce from scratch! A blend of fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and sugar creates a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce that’s perfect for any pasta.
It turns out that making homemade pasta sauce doesn’t have to be a struggle. Just take this Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce recipe for example… A handful of fresh ingredients and simple seasonings are thrown into a pot and simmered until you’re left with a gorgeous tomato sauce worthy of any Italian restaurant. Yum!
But why use cherry tomatoes in pasta sauce? Well, while most recipes use Roma or San Marzano tomatoes, cherry tomatoes bring a unique burst of sweet and tangy flavor to the table. Plus, their mild acidity makes them a fantastic choice for a vibrant, balanced sauce.
Toss your simple homemade cherry tomato sauce with your favorite cooked pasta noodles for a taste of summer in every bite. What’s better is that you can make the batch ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later. It’s meal prep made easy!
Recipe features
- A homemade tomato sauce that comes together effortlessly thanks to simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick meal fix!
- It’s a simple one-pan recipe made with less than 10 fresh ingredients.
- Like my tomato burrata salad, it’s the perfect way to use up a bunch of garden fresh cherry tomatoes.
- The ways to use it are endless! Toss it with pasta, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, or use it as pizza sauce.
Ingredients
Cherry tomatoes – The star of the sauce! Cherry tomatoes shine in this homemade tomato sauce thanks to their tart-sweet flavors and gorgeous colors. You should find the best cherry tomatoes during summer (AKA tomato season), although they’re typically available year-round. If cherry tomatoes are out of season or you can’t find good-quality tomatoes, grape tomatoes work well as a substitute.
Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic cloves give the sauce the best savory depth and aromatic flavor. Garlic powder also works in a pinch (use ¼ teaspoon per clove) but the savory flavors won’t be as strong.
Fresh basil – Fresh basil leaves are an absolute must in this sauce. They’re bright, floral, herbaceous, and earthy, but most importantly, they give the sauce a restaurant-quality flavor.
Sugar – Just a touch of sugar is needed to balance the tomatoes’ acidity and enhance their natural sweetness. Start with a small amount at first, then adjust to taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the tomatoes. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add the cherry tomatoes and sauté until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Step 2: Season. Stir the minced garlic, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the tomatoes. Continue to simmer until the tomatoes are soft. At this point, you can squish the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon.
Step 3: Simmer. Stir the fresh basil and sugar into the sauce and simmer until all of the flavors have come together. Take the skillet off the heat.
Step 4: Serve or store. Serve the tomato sauce immediately with your favorite pasta or transfer it to a container and store it for later use.
Tips and FAQs
- If you prefer a chunkier sauce, leave some of the tomatoes whole instead of crushing them all with a spoon.
- For a smooth consistency, blend the sauce with an immersion blender or a regular blender. Remember that blending hot liquids in a regular blender can be dangerous, so let the sauce cool slightly and blend it in batches.
- Taste your sauce as it cooks, and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more sugar if it’s tangy or acidic, or add a splash of balsamic vinegar if it’s too sweet.
Tip
Stir in the fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor and bright green color. If using dried basil, add it earlier in the cooking process.
Add-in ideas
If you want to add an extra touch of gourmet flair to your cherry tomatoes pasta sauce, consider using any of these flavorful add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes – For a subtle spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Parmesan cheese – Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory boost.
- Cream or butter – During the last few minutes of cooking, stir in a splash of heavy cream or 2 tablespoons of butter for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Fresh herbs – Add chopped fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley in addition to the basil.
- Wine – A splash of white or red wine can add depth and complexity to the sauce. Let it simmer until the alcohol evaporates.
- Ground meat – Turn this into a meat sauce by stirring in browned ground beef, chicken, turkey, or sliced Italian sausages.
Serving suggestions
Pasta is, obviously, a perfect pairing for this sauce. Use any short or long pasta noodles you like, such as spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Or, for a more substantial pasta dinner, serve it with ravioli, tortellini, or gnocchi instead. Top every bowl with freshly cracked pepper, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, then dig in.
Gluten-free? Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles instead.
Here are even more ways to use cherry tomato sauce:
And so much more!
Can I omit the sugar?
Yes, you can omit the sugar from this recipe if you’d prefer a less-sweet sauce or if your cherry tomatoes are already very sweet and ripe. Just know that the sauce may taste slightly acidic without it.
Do you have to roast the tomatoes?
No. Roasting the tomatoes in the oven can add a different depth of flavor, but sautéing them in a pan on the stove is much quicker and develops their flavor very well!
Can I use canned cherry tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Just be sure to drain the liquid from the can beforehand to avoid a watery sauce. Also, taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed since canned tomatoes can vary in sweetness and acidity.
How much sauce does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 2 cups of cherry tomato sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or sealed glass jar. Store the sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezer: After it cools, transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe airtight container or large ziplock bag (pressed flat for easy storage). The sauce freezes very well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More homemade pasta sauces
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Learn how to make Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce from scratch! A blend of fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and sugar creates a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce that’s perfect for any pasta.
Servings:
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Instructions
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Pour the olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Once warm, add the tomatoes and sauté for 5-7 minutes, then add the garlic, salt and pepper and simmer the entire mixture for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes are soft. NOTE: you may want to use the back of a wooden spoon to help smash down the tomatoes a bit more.
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Last, add the basil and sugar and simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat.
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Serve immediately over pasta, or transfer to a container and store in the refrigerator or freezer to use at a later time. Enjoy!
Notes
*Calories are per serving and are an estimation.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 599mg | Potassium: 355mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 889IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
