Bursting with natural sweetness and vibrant flavor, sweet grape tomato pasta sauce is a celebration of simplicity and freshness.
Made with juicy grape tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and aromatic herbs, this sauce brings out the best of ripe, sun-kissed ingredients.
It’s a quick yet comforting dish, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
The balance of tangy and sweet notes creates a light, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta, making every bite truly satisfying.
How To Make Sweet Grape Tomato Pasta Sauce?
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Yield: Serves 4 (about 4 cups sauce, enough for 340 g pasta)
Equipment needed
- Large pot for pasta
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board & chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
- 3 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 340 g spaghetti, linguine, or favorite pasta
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until just under al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and keep aside.
2. Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and stir for about 3–4 minutes until garlic smells fragrant and onion looks translucent.
3. Add grape tomatoes & seasoning
Drop in halved grape tomatoes. Stir in oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, pressing tomatoes gently to help them burst and form a chunky sauce.
4. Add lemon juice & basil
Pour in lemon juice and toss basil leaves in. Let basil wilt slightly. Taste and tweak seasoning as needed.
5. Combine with pasta
Add drained pasta to the skillet, and pour in reserved pasta water. Toss everything until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
6. Serve right away
Serve immediately. Top with extra basil leaves, grated Parmesan if you like.
Nutrition Facts Of Sweet Grape Tomato Pasta Sauce
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrate: 60 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
Which Goes Best With Sweet Grape Tomato Pasta Sauce?
❖ Classic Pasta Pairing: Toss the sauce with spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fusilli, then finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a simple yet flavorful meal.
❖ Grilled Protein Companion: Serve it as a topping for grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon. The natural sweetness of grape tomatoes balances smoky, savory flavors.
❖ Veggie-Packed Bowl: Combine the sauce with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a hearty vegetarian entrée.
❖ Fresh Bruschetta Spread: Use the sauce as a rustic spread over toasted baguette slices, topped with mozzarella or goat cheese.
❖ Pizza Base Upgrade: Swap traditional pizza sauce with sweet grape tomato sauce for a fresher, slightly tangy twist on homemade pizza.
Tips & Variations
✤ Choose ripe tomatoes: The sweeter the grape tomatoes, the richer and more balanced your sauce will taste.
✤ Slow cooking for flavor: Let the sauce simmer gently to allow the tomatoes to release their natural sweetness.
✤ Don’t skip the garlic: Thinly sliced garlic adds a mellow depth compared to minced garlic, which can burn quickly.
✤ Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream, mascarpone, or burrata for a silky, rich sauce.
✤ Protein-Packed: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed Italian sausage for a hearty meal.
✤ Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for a different aromatic profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
Yes, cherry tomatoes work well as a substitute with a slightly tangier flavor.
Do I need to peel the grape tomatoes?
No, the thin skins cook down easily, adding texture and flavor.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Yes, as long as you use plant-based ingredients only.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Can I freeze Sweet Grape Tomato Pasta Sauce?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before use.
Conclusion
Sweet grape tomato pasta sauce proves that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavors. Light, fresh, and naturally sweet, it transforms any pasta into a comforting, homemade delight.
Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this vibrant sauce adds warmth and joy to every table.
Sweet Grape Tomato Pasta Sauce
Equipment
- Large pot for pasta
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board & chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
- 3 cups grape tomatoes halved
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves torn or chopped
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 340 g spaghetti linguine, or favorite pasta
Instructions
Bring salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until just under al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and keep aside.
Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and stir for about 3–4 minutes until garlic smells fragrant and onion looks translucent.
Drop in halved grape tomatoes. Stir in oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, pressing tomatoes gently to help them burst and form a chunky sauce.
Pour in lemon juice and toss basil leaves in. Let basil wilt slightly. Taste and tweak seasoning as needed.
Add drained pasta to the skillet, and pour in reserved pasta water. Toss everything until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
Serve immediately. Top with extra basil leaves, grated Parmesan if you like.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.