This is my tried and tested go-to pasta sauce recipe that I make all the time – just a few simple ingredients that speak for themselves is all you need. Whether you’re comfortable in the kitchen or not, this is the kind of recipe that anyone can pull off!

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4-5 sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
  • 1 tsp salt, or more to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Chili flakes, to taste
  • 1/4 cup pasta water
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, adjust to taste or skip for a vegan sauce)

Plus 400g pasta of choice*

Instructions:

Sauté the Onion:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for a couple of minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Cook the Tomatoes:
Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan and stir. Cover with a lid to allow the tomatoes to soften, cooking for a few minutes. Meanwhile, start cooking your pasta of choice in a pot of boiling, salted water.

Smash the Tomatoes:
Check the tomatoes. Once they are soft and the skins have split, add the minced garlic. Using the back of a spatula, gently smash each cherry tomato until they burst.

Season the Sauce:
Add salt, pepper, chili flakes, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld for a minute or two.

Finish the Sauce:
Add the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese to the pan. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

Combine with Pasta:
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious homemade pasta!