Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple yet delightful dish that showcases the perfect combination of cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of tangy parmesan cheese. This easy dinner recipe is sure to impress with its satisfying flavors and textures.
What’s your favorite pasta dish? When I was younger, it was anything super cheesy and greasy. Now, I find that I’m enjoying lighter dishes. (Okay, my stomach much prefers them.) 😉
For today’s dinner idea, I thought I’d share a light, tasty, and still-satisfying Tomato Basil Pasta. The sauce is made with simple ingredients, the flavor is surprisingly good, and you’ll have everyone asking for more.
If you’re interested in more easy dinner recipes, be sure to check out my baked manicotti recipe, which pairs perfectly with this super satisfying bruschetta.
Everything You Need to Make Tomato Basil Pasta
- Pasta – I love using spaghetti in this recipe, but you can use your favorite pasta.
- Olive oil – use extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic – Erik likes to use freshly minced garlic (okay, who actually “likes” to heehee) but you can use store bought minced garlic in a pinch.
- Tomatoes – I prefer cherry or grape tomatoes in this dish
- Red pepper flakes – feel free to omit if you’re sensitive to heat, but the spice isn’t very noticeable.
- Salt and pepper – you can add salt and pepper to taste
- Basil – be sure to pick fresh basil for bright flavor in this dish.
- Parmesan cheese: use freshly-grated parmesan
What is Tomato Basil Pasta?
Tomato basil pasta is a simple pasta dish that’s perfect for dinner or lunch.
In today’s tomato basil pasta recipe, we’re keeping this pasta dish very simple with olive oil, garlic and tomatoes for the sauce, and spaghetti with fresh basil to finish off the dish.
Looking for a soup to pair with this pasta? Try this Tomato Mascarpone Soup to really round out dinner. It also goes so well with this creamy, dreamy Garlic Butter Pasta or a simple salad topped with my homemade Italian dressing.
How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta
You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to cook this simple and elegant pasta dish chockfull of healthy ingredients that’ll brighten your dinner table.
I love making this pasta dish when I’m not in the mood for a fussy, mile-long ingredient list dinner. It’s simple and easy!
Cook the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of water to boil, then add in a pinch of salt and the pasta.
Cook the pasta until it’s nearly tender. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Make the Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, make the pasta sauce. Cook minced garlic until fragrant.
Then, add in tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
Cook until tomatoes are soft and bursting.
Then, grab a fork and smush about two-thirds of them to create the tomato sauce. You can smash them all, but I like keeping some intact for the final dish.
Add Pasta to the Sauce
Now, grab your drained pasta and add it to the sauce you just made.
Top with Basil and Parmesan
Lastly, add in fresh basil and parmesan and stir to combine.
Enjoy the Best Tomato Basil Pasta
Take a step back and enjoy the beauty of the dish you just created! Well done, you!
What Tomatoes to Use?
I favor using cherry or grape tomatoes in making this basil tomato pasta. They’re small, juicy, and just the right amount of sweet.
In a pinch, you can use roma tomatoes, San Marzano tomatoes, and more.
How to Adjust this recipe to your liking
Leave out the Parmesan
Not a fan or parmesan? Feel free to leave it out of this dish! You can add in fresh mozzarella when serving, sub the parm with vegan parm, or skip it altogether.
Roast the Garlic
Have you ever roasted garlic? Freel free to swap the minced garlic with mashed up roasted garlic.
Increase the pepper, or skip it altogether
For a nice little kick, feel free to add more red pepper flakes—the amount I used is for a tiny flavor boost, not for spice. Alternatively, if you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to skip the red pepper flakes.
Add protein
This tomato basil pasta dish is made to be easily customized to your liking! Feel free to add your favorite protein, cooked and served on the side.
What Did You Think?
Erik and I are always trying new recipes in the kitchen, tweaking, making, and re-making delicious meals to help make your dinner time easier. Let me know how we’re doing in the comments below—it really does help us know if you’re liking what we’re serving up. 😉 ‘Til the next one…
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
Description
You’ll love this deliciously simple Tomato Basil Pasta that’s packed with juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic fresh basil, and a touch of tangy parmesan. Easy dinner recipe!
Pasta
Tomato Basil Sauce
Topping
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add in a big pinch of salt. Add in pasta. Cook until nearly tender, but still firm (al dente). Drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the tomato basil sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet set over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn, about 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, stirring occasionally and cooking until softened and tomatoes burst, about 4-5 minutes. Using a fork, mash about 2/3 of the tomatoes to release juices and create a chunky sauce. I like to keep 1/3 intact because it’s delicious & pretty.
- Add drained pasta, 1 cup fresh basil, and 1/3 cup parmesan cheese. If needed, add reserved pasta water to thin out sauce to preference. Turn off the heat and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust as needed by adding salt and pepper.
- Serve in pasta bowls with roasted garlic bread. Top with parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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