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
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away!
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.