Old School Spaghetti with Cherry Tomato Sauce is a timeless, comforting dish that brings together the rich, natural sweetness of ripe cherry tomatoes with the simplicity of fresh basil and garlic. This classic Italian recipe is all about using high-quality ingredients to create a flavorful sauce that perfectly clings to each strand of spaghetti. It’s a quick, straightforward meal that’s both satisfying and packed with vibrant, fresh flavors—a true celebration of simple, delicious cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Fresh and Flavorful: The cherry tomato sauce is bursting with vibrant flavors, thanks to ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil.
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a speedy dinner.
Classic Italian Simplicity: This spaghetti recipe focuses on a few high-quality ingredients, creating a beautiful balance of flavors with minimal fuss.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, salt, or basil level to make the sauce exactly how you like it.
Key Ingredients:
Each ingredient plays an important role in this dish. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Spaghetti: Choose good-quality spaghetti that cooks to a nice al dente texture. You can use 300-500 grams depending on how many servings you need.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes are key for the best sauce. They’re naturally sweet, juicy, and add a fresh burst of flavor to the pasta.
Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil is essential, as it forms the sauce’s base. It enhances the overall flavor and richness, so use extra-virgin if possible.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and warmth. Cook it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance the flavors in the sauce. Adjust to taste.
Sugar (Optional): A small pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Use it only if the sauce tastes too tangy.
Fresh Basil: Basil is added at the end for a fragrant, herby flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
Grated Parmesan (Optional): A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds a savory, salty flavor that enhances the sauce’s richness.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Directions
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook Pasta: Add spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Reserve Water: Before draining, reserve 1 cup (250 ml) of the pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Step 2: Making the Cherry Tomato Sauce
Heat Oil: In a large saucepan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, but avoid browning.
Cook Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (optional). Stir occasionally and cook until the tomatoes are tender and begin to burst, about 5 minutes.
Mash Tomatoes: Lightly mash some of the tomatoes with a fork to release their juices and help create a sauce.
Add Basil: Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 3: Combining the Pasta and Sauce
Add Pasta to Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the saucepan with the cherry tomato sauce.
Toss with Sauce: Gently toss the pasta with the sauce, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve a smooth, silky sauce that coats the pasta.
Step 4: Serving
Plate the Pasta: Divide the spaghetti among four bowls.
Add Cheese: Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and flavorful pasta!
Tips for the Perfect Spaghetti with Cherry Tomato Sauce:
Use Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes: The sweetness of cherry tomatoes really shines in this simple sauce, so choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results.
Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Al dente pasta holds up better in the sauce and gives a satisfying texture to the dish.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is a secret weapon in Italian cooking, helping to bind the sauce to the pasta and create a creamy consistency.
Fresh Basil Makes a Difference: Fresh basil leaves add a beautiful aroma and flavor that dried basil can’t replicate.
Variations:
This classic recipe is easily adaptable. Here are a few variations to try:
Add Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese to the sauce for a richer texture.
Add Vegetables: Toss in sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Version: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder and extra Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a slightly more savory spin.
Conclusion:
This Old School Spaghetti with Cherry Tomato Sauce is a deliciously simple meal that celebrates fresh ingredients and classic Italian flavors. With just a few steps, you’ll have a comforting, beautiful plate of pasta that’s perfect for any occasion. This is a fantastic recipe to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation or serve to guests for a casual Italian-inspired meal.
Enjoy every forkful of this fresh, homemade pasta!
Old School Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 300-500 g spaghetti Adjust based on servings
- 1 pinch salt For boiling water and sauce seasoning
- 600 g cherry tomatoes Choose ripe, sweet tomatoes
- 100 ml olive oil High-quality for best flavor
- 2 cloves garlic Minced
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper For seasoning
- 1 tsp sugar Optional, to balance acidity
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves For garnish
- as needed grated Parmesan cheese Optional, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, without browning. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Cook for 5 minutes, lightly mashing tomatoes as they soften.
- Stir in fresh basil leaves, remove from heat, and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing gently. Gradually add reserved pasta water until sauce is smooth. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan if desired.