Print

Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

4.6 from 133 reviews

This Cherry Tomato Sauce is a fresh and vibrant sauce made with juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil simmered gently in extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for topping pasta, grilled vegetables, or as a base for various Italian dishes, this easy-to-make sauce highlights the natural sweetness and acidity of cherry tomatoes combined with the subtle warmth of sautéed onion and garlic.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 24 oz cherry tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil

Oils and Seasonings

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium low heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté gently for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown to avoid bitterness.
  2. Add tomatoes and basil: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and roughly chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything to combine well.
  3. Simmer and break down tomatoes: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the cherry tomatoes will burst open, releasing their juices and thickening the sauce. If some tomatoes hold their shape, carefully press them down with the back of a spatula or cooking utensil to help break them apart.
  4. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the sauce and add additional salt or black pepper if needed. Once satisfied with the flavor and consistency, remove from heat and serve immediately over your favorite dish or store for later use.

Notes

  • Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
  • This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat if desired.
  • If a smoother texture is preferred, blend the sauce slightly after cooking.
  • This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten free.

Keywords: cherry tomato sauce, fresh tomato sauce, vegan tomato sauce, Italian sauce, easy tomato sauce, stovetop sauce