Description
Tomato Basil Pasta is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish combining ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and your choice of pasta. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant dinner parties, this recipe offers a healthy, flavorful meal that’s versatile and customizable to your preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients
- 4–5 ripe tomatoes (fresh or high-quality canned), chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti, linguine, or penne
- Salt, for pasta water and seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or cheese alternative
- Protein options: grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu (quantity as desired)
- Red pepper flakes or chili oil (optional, for spice)
- Extra veggies like sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Finely chop the fresh tomatoes and mince the garlic. Tear the basil leaves gently to preserve their aroma. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- Cook the pasta: Add your chosen pasta to the boiling salted water and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
- Make the tomato basil sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the pan with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if you need to loosen or make the sauce creamier.
- Finish with fresh basil and cheese: Remove the pan from heat and fold in the fresh basil leaves to retain their fragrance. Top with grated Parmesan cheese or your preferred cheese alternative if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Choose ripe tomatoes for the best sauce flavor.
- Add basil at the end of cooking to preserve its aroma.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help sauce cling to pasta.
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for a silky texture and enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: Tomato Basil Pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, quick dinner, fresh basil pasta, healthy pasta dish
