This fresh cherry tomato basil sauce is a snap to whip up! Just toss juicy tomatoes with fragrant basil and a sprinkle of garlic for a simple, tasty topping.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: They’re the star of this sauce! Look for ripe, vibrant tomatoes. If you can’t find them, grape tomatoes work too. They have a similar sweetness and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a wonderful aroma. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but start with less since it’s more concentrated.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for its rich taste. You can swap it with avocado oil for a different flavor or use any cooking oil you have on hand.
Basil: Fresh basil really shines in this recipe, but if you can’t find it, dried basil works too. Just use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are stronger.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat, these are great, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer milder sauce.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Cherry Tomatoes?
Cooking cherry tomatoes properly is key to a great sauce. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat and allow olive oil to warm up without smoking.
- Add minced garlic first, and sauté until fragrant—this usually takes about 30 seconds.
- Mix in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until they soften and a little saucy goodness forms.
- Remember to season with salt and pepper as the tomatoes cook; this enhances their natural sweetness.
With these steps, you’ll have a fresh, flavorful sauce that’s perfect on pasta or as a topping for any dish!
Quick and Easy Cherry Tomato Basil Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious sauce comes together in just about 15 minutes! You’ll spend a few minutes chopping the tomatoes and garlic, and the cooking part will go quickly. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure it’s warm but not smoking.
2. Sauté Garlic:
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant. Watch closely, so it doesn’t burn!
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will start to soften and release their juices, making a lovely sauce!
4. Season Your Sauce:
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences!
5. Add Basil and Balsamic (Optional):
Stir in the fresh chopped basil and balsamic vinegar (if using). Let it cook for another minute to blend all the flavors beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve this delightful sauce over cooked pasta, grilled chicken, or whatever you fancy. Don’t forget to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor!
This sauce is vibrant, fresh, and incredibly easy to make. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ for Quick and Easy Cherry Tomato Basil Sauce
Can I Use Other Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can use grape tomatoes or even regular tomatoes, chopped. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since larger tomatoes may take a little longer to break down.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Sauce?
You can store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens up, feel free to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Can I Make This Sauce Vegan?
Yes! This sauce is naturally vegan-friendly. Just skip adding Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it plant-based.
What Can I Serve This Sauce With Besides Pasta?
This sauce is versatile! You can serve it over grilled chicken, fish, or use it as a topping for bruschetta. It’s also delicious as a dip for bread or as a sauce for veggie dishes!
