Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce (Quick Recipe with Video)

Cherry tomato pasta sauce from an overhead view.

Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce (Quick Recipe with Video)

Mallory

This Cherry Tomato Sauce is so fresh and delicious! It's an easy recipe that comes together in one pan and is ready in minutes. And the end result is a flavorful sauce that can be used in many different ways. The acidity of the tomatoes does all the work and pairs beautifully with heart-healthy olive oil, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil. If you like the taste of roasted cherry tomatoes, you'll love this burst tomato pasta sauce! 😊

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 20

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

1 Skillet or saucepan
1 Wooden Spoon
1 masher optional

Ingredients

2 pints cherry tomatoes (20-24 ounces)
6 cloves garlic, sliced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes more to taste
½ teaspoon salt more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper more to taste
1 cup basil, chopped

Instructions

Slice garlic cloves and chop fresh basil. Set aside.
Heat a large pan or large skillet on medium heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and once hot, add garlic. Heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to the large pan with the olive oil and garlic. Continue to heat, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes. When the tomatoes start to blister, use a potato masher or back of a wooden spoon to mash the tomato skins until they start to pop and juice comes out.
Lower the heat a bit to low heat and continue to let the sauce simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. It will start to thicken and caramelize.
Turn the heat off and stir in the chopped basil.
Hint: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree it to the consistency you prefer. You can also use a food processor for this.

Video

Notes

Expert Tips

Push gently on the cherry tomatoes to get the juice out. If you push too hard, they will splash a bit!
Slice your garlic into relatively large pieces to avoid burning it.
Be sure to keep an eye on the sauce and stir it frequently to make sure it's evenly cooked.

Storage

Refrigerator - let the sauce cool and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer - freeze in a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Allow it to defrost in the fridge.

Additional Nutrition Information

While healthy means something different to everyone, this cherry tomato sauce is a nutrient-rich option. It contains powerful antioxidants, heart-healthy fats that also support brain health and hormone health, vitamin C, and potassium.

Dietitian Tip

Tomatoes are a good source of a powerful phytochemical called lycopene which research has shown is protective against certain cancers and can help support brain health. And making tomato sauce at home is easier than you might think. Try this recipe as a delicious way to incorporate tomatoes into your diet. It's a great way to use up an abundance of tomatoes and fresh basil when they're in season.

For more nutrition information and tips, visit mallorythedietitian.com. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! 😊

Keyword 30 minutes or less, dairy free, gluten free, no added sugars

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