Easy Cherry Tomato Sauce

This simple yet elegant cherry tomato sauce is perfect for those nights when you want something fresh yet comforting. Just 5 minutes of prep and a short 25 minutes of simmering on the stove top is all you need to get this done. Plus, it’s a great way to use up tons of cherry tomatoes, especially if they’re on the verge of going bad. Each bite of this sauce is tangy, fresh and ultra-savory. 

This sauce, or a variation of it, is made in my kitchen a few times every month. I tend to buy cherry tomatoes in irresponsible amounts, always hoping I’ll eat them in more salads than I do. 

So when they’re on the verge of going bad or I simply need a quick, satisfying dinner, I cook them down in a hearty glug of olive oil with aromatics, herbs and a touch of anchovy. The result is a foolproof, versatile sauce that can be tossed with al dente pasta, spread onto a sandwich, spooned over crispy chicken cutlets and more. A foolproof way to elevate a weeknight meal.  

Why Make This Recipe

• Short Ingredient List: the reason this recipe works is because it uses a handful of workhorse ingredients like shallots, garlic, red pepper flakes and anchovy paste. Every ingredient brings something essential to the table. 
• Easy One Pan: gotta love when all you dirty is one pan. Everything is done in a large sauté pan, and bonus, no blending needed. 
• Versatile: this recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. Swap the oregano out for fresh thyme or fresh basil. If you end up wanting it super creamy, blend it up with some parmesan cheese or cream. Make this a couple of times to get the hang of the method, then start to play around with different flavors.
• Healthy and elegant: this dish is rich in antioxidants and uses heart-healthy olive oil while at the same time being elegant and refined. 

Ingredients Needed

• Olive oil: for the best flavor, use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil. Single source is usually a safe bet and a sign of quality. 
• Cherry tomatoes: for the sweetest flavor and softer skins, use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes. Though in a pinch, either will work.
• Shallots: you’ll need two medium shallots. These add an aromatic depth of flavor you can’t get from anything else. 
• Garlic: a couple of cloves is all you need. We’re calling for thinly slicing which leads to a more mild garlic flavor. 
• Red pepper flakes: for an undertone of heat. You can also use black pepper but it won’t offer the same kick. 
• Oregano: I recommend using two sprigs of fresh oregano. It adds a nice herbal earthiness to the sauce. You can also use a teaspoon of dried. 
• Anchovy paste: just a dash adds loads of savoriness (not fishiness). 
• Chicken broth: there is never a moment where I don’t have a jar of Better than Bouillon on hand. I use the lower-sodium roasted chicken base. Use whatever broth you have on hand. 

How to Make Easy Cherry Tomato Sauce

1. Cook 1 pound of tomatoes in ¼ cup of olive oil in a large sauté pan, covered, until they start to burst, about 5 minutes. Covering the pan is key here which will encourage the tomatoes to soften and burst. 

2. Add 2 sliced shallots and 2 sliced garlic cloves; season lightly with salt then reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until fragrant and starting to soften, about 3 minutes. 

3. Add 2 sprigs of oregano, ½ teaspoon anchovy paste and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes and cook 2 minutes. Add 2 cups broth, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and jammy, 15–17 minutes. 

4. Remove and discard oregano sprigs then use as desired. 

6 Ways to Use Cherry Tomato Sauce

• Pasta Sauce: My favorite way to enjoy this fresh tomato sauce recipe is to toss it with al dente bucatini. It would also be delicious with pillowy gnocchi. 
• Sauce for sandwiches: Use as a sauce on this Italian Tri-Tip Sandwich.
• Spooned over a protein: this sauce would be delicious served over crispy baked chicken cutlets, baked chicken parm, spice-crusted halibut or pan-seared chilean sea bass. 
• Simmer sauce for fish: When the sauce is still somewhat thin (not reduced completely) add shrimp or white fish and simmer just until tender. Serve over orzo or couscous. 
• Pizza Sauce: use this sauce as the base for a pizza. Top with mozzarella, prosciutto and basil. 
• Bowl meals: use this as a component in a grilled veggie and grain bowl. A healthy weeknight meal with tomato sauce! 

Meal Prep, Storage and Reheating 

This sauce is a great meal prep sauce because it keeps well and can be used in a variety of ways. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until steaming. 

For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using as desired. 

More Pasta Sauce Recipes to Try

• Our Red Wine Pasta Sauce is another elegant pasta sauce you’ll love. It’s deeply flavored and perfect for special occasions, date nights or when you have an open bottle of red to use. 
• For something bright and herby, try my Pistachio Pesto. 
• Or go the Asian route and try my Ginger Scallion Sauce. This one is delicious! 
• For a vegan sauce that doesn’t feel vegan try your hand at a Mushroom Bolognese. It’s a fun meal to prepare and perfect for wowing dinner guests.

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