Fresh Grape Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce - God blessed us with an abundance of grape tomatoes this summer, and this quick, easy, and flavorful dish is the perfect way to enjoy them!Perfect for lunch or dinner, this vegan Italian sauce pairs beautifully with fresh basil and homemade parmesan, making it a great way to use up many grape tomatoes and enjoy a delicious, homemade weeknight meal.
Heat olive oil in a frying pan or medium pot over medium-low heat. Cook minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves garlic
Add dried oregano, salt, halved grape tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves to the pan. Cook on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. Turn off the heat and let the sauce rest for 5 minutes while you cook the pasta.
5 cups grape tomatoes, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves
Prepare pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
8 oz (230 grams) spaghetti
Optional: Discard any tough tomato skins. Pour the warm tomato sauce over the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store any leftover pasta sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat before serving.
Freezer: You can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Pasta: If you’ve mixed the sauce with pasta, store the combined dish in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
Choose the ripest grape or cherry tomatoes for the sweetest, most flavorful sauce.
Cook the pasta al dente, which means firm (without being hard) to the bite, to avoid it becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning with more salt, oregano, or even a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
For a smoother sauce, remove any curled tomato skins before serving.
See the post above for more ingredient substitutions, variations, and serving suggestions.