The Secret to Ina’s Tomato Sauce? It’s Uncooked.
Fresh uncooked tomato sauce pasta inspired by Ina Garten made with marinated cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil tossed with hot pasta for a light summer dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: ~4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course / Pasta
- Method: No-cook sauce / Boiled pasta / Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired / Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved Cherry tomatoes
½ cup extra virgin olive oil Olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced Garlic
½ cup fresh basil, chopped Basil
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
12 oz pasta (angel hair recommended) Angel hair pasta
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Parmesan cheese
Instructions
. Marinate the tomatoes
In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Mix well until tomatoes are fully coated.
Cover and let sit at room temperature for 4 hours.
Stir occasionally if possible to release juices.
2. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Combine
Add hot pasta directly into the bowl of marinated tomatoes.
Toss well so the heat slightly softens the tomatoes and releases their sauce.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for silkiness.
4. Serve
Top with extra basil and freshly grated Parmesan.
Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
The 4-hour marination is essential for flavor development.
Use ripe, sweet tomatoes for the best natural sauce.
Angel hair pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, but any pasta works.
Add extra salt at the end—tomatoes need proper seasoning to shine.
For less heat, reduce or skip red pepper flakes.
