Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

Tomato Basil Pasta is the quintessential weeknight dinner—bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and golden strands of pasta, all embraced in a garlicky, olive oil-kissed sauce. It comes together in about 15 minutes and always tastes like summer on a plate!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Tomato Basil Pasta proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something spectacular. Each staple has its own starring role—together, they create pure magic on your plate.

• Spaghetti (8 ounces): Classic long pasta works beautifully, holding onto the sauce and twirling perfectly on your fork. Swap for linguine, penne, or gluten-free pasta as desired.
• Olive Oil (¼ cup): Choose extra virgin for maximum flavor—this is your base and the backbone of the sauce.
• Cherry Tomatoes (2 pints): Sweet, vibrant, and quick-cooking. They burst into a luscious, juicy sauce with minimal effort.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives a rich, aromatic depth—freshly minced is best so the flavor truly shines.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient, bringing out their natural, summery flavors.
• Crushed Red Pepper (½ teaspoon): Just enough heat for a gentle kick—adjust to your spice preference.
• Fresh Basil (½ cup, chopped): Tossed in at the end for herbal freshness—don’t skimp, and have extra for serving!
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, plus extra): For an irresistible, salty finish—use more for serving if you love that nutty bite.

Variations

The best part about Tomato Basil Pasta? How easy it is to put your own spin on it! This recipe is endlessly adaptable to your tastes, pantry, and any little cravings that strike.

• Change Up the Tomatoes: No cherry tomatoes? Grape tomatoes work great, or use chopped Roma or heirloom tomatoes for a twist in flavor and color.
• Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans for a heartier meal that still lets those summery flavors take center stage.
• Make it Vegan: Skip the parmesan or use your favorite plant-based cheese to keep this pasta dairy-free.
• Boost the Veggies: Fold in sautéed zucchini, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.

How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti until perfectly al dente—that springy, tender bite is key! Reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining (trust me, this helps your sauce cling to every strand).

Step 2: Sauté the Tomatoes & Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat. Add all your beautiful cherry tomatoes, letting them sizzle and soften for about 5 minutes. Next, stir in minced garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper. Let everything become gloriously fragrant until the garlic mellows—just a minute more.

Step 3: Make the Burst Tomato Sauce

Using a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently squash the tomatoes in the skillet to release their sweet, juicy centers. Keep cooking and stirring for about 5 more minutes until they break down into a saucy, chunky, irresistible mixture that smells like pure summer.

Step 4: Toss, Finish & Serve

Add the drained pasta right into the skillet, along with chopped fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Drizzle in some reserved pasta water, tossing it all together until you reach your dream sauce consistency—creamy, silky, and absolutely coated. Serve Tomato Basil Pasta immediately, crowned with more basil and parmesan if you’d like!

How to Serve Tomato Basil Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your Tomato Basil Pasta with a generous cloud of freshly grated parmesan and a rain of torn basil leaves—the more the merrier! For something extra, a tiny drizzle of good olive oil or a crack of black pepper really wakes up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

To turn your pasta into a true feast, pair with warm garlic bread, a peppery arugula salad, or roasted veggies. For a little decadence, serve with burrata or mozzarella balls on top to add some creamy luxury.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Tomato Basil Pasta in a big, rustic bowl, family-style, or nest it into smaller dishes for an elegant appetizer. Twirl individual servings with a fork for restaurant-style presentation, or swirl atop toasted sourdough for an inventive bruschetta twist—your guests will swoon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Tomato Basil Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a surprisingly delicious next-day lunch or speedy dinner.

Freezing

The tomato sauce itself is very freezer-friendly—just let it cool, then pop it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for a quick meal prep option.

Reheating

To reheat Tomato Basil Pasta, gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water until hot. Microwave works in a pinch, just cover loosely and stir halfway, adding a touch of olive oil if needed to re-gloss the sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll make this Tomato Basil Pasta your own and come back to it again and again—it’s the kind of dish that never fails to win hearts and satisfy cravings. Grab some fresh basil and the ripest tomatoes you can find, and let this simple, cheerful recipe brighten up your table tonight!

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