Tomato basil pasta offers a burst of freshness with every bite. The rich aroma of sautéed garlic mingling with ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil fills your kitchen with an irresistible invitation to dinner. Picture this: twirling your fork around strands of perfectly cooked spaghetti coated in a vibrant sauce that dances between sweet and savory.
This dish has become my go-to comfort food on busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. There’s something magical about how simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering experience. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, tomato basil pasta never fails to bring smiles to the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This quick and easy tomato basil pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be made in under 30 minutes
- The fresh flavors of tomatoes and basil create a delightful taste experience that everyone will love
- With its vibrant colors, it’s not only delicious but also visually stunning on any plate
- You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins for extra versatility!
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their faces lit up as they tasted it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta of Choice: I recommend using spaghetti or fettuccine for the best sauce adherence.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Choose ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor; heirloom varieties work beautifully.
- Fresh Basil: Use fragrant green basil leaves; they add brightness to the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings depth; avoid pre-minced for better flavor.
- Olive Oil: Good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Grated Parmesan adds creaminess; feel free to skip if you prefer dairy-free.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Get ready for a culinary adventure as we create this delightful dish step by step!
Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in chopped tomatoes until they soften.
Add Fresh Basil: Toss in freshly torn basil leaves into the skillet once the tomatoes begin breaking down. Cook briefly until aromatic—this should take about a minute.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain your cooked pasta but reserve some cooking water. Add the pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce along with a splash of reserved water for creaminess.
Toss and Serve!: Gently toss everything together over low heat until well combined. Plate it up generously topped with more fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
This tomato basil pasta comes together quickly but tastes like you’ve slaved away in the kitchen all day! Don’t forget to enjoy every bite while secretly patting yourself on the back for such culinary genius!
You Must Know
- Tomato basil pasta is not just a dish; it’s an experience!
- The vibrant flavors and aromas transport you to an Italian kitchen, making it perfect for any occasion
- Plus, it’s quick and easy, which means more time to enjoy life and less time in the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta until al dente while sautéing garlic in olive oil. Once fragrant, add fresh tomatoes and basil to create a delightful sauce that dances on your taste buds.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in veggies like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition. You can also swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to suit your dietary needs.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tomato basil pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, roast your tomatoes before adding them to the sauce
- This enhances their natural sweetness and creates an irresistible aroma
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; fresh herbs can vary significantly in strength
- Don’t forget to save some pasta water; it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency!
Cooking tomato basil pasta always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and delicious smells. She taught me that cooking is about love, not just following recipes.
FAQ
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh in tomato basil pasta?
Dried basil works but adds it early in cooking for better flavor infusion.
How do I make tomato basil pasta vegan?
Simply omit cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative for a creamy finish.
What’s the best way to enhance the flavor of tomato basil pasta?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon brightens up the dish beautifully.
Quick Tomato Basil Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Delight in this bright and flavorful tomato basil pasta, where fresh ingredients blend seamlessly for a delicious meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened. Stir in fresh basil and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine the drained pasta with the sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess. Toss well to combine.
- Serve immediately, topped with additional basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Customize your dish by adding sautéed vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to meet dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 5mg