If you’re craving a light yet flavorful pasta dish, this Tomato Basil Pasta is the perfect choice! Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil, this classic Italian-inspired dish is simple, healthy, and bursting with fresh flavors.
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity—no heavy sauces, just fresh ingredients coming together to create an incredible meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this easy tomato basil pasta will never disappoint!
What is Tomato Basil Pasta?
Tomato Basil Pasta is a light, fresh, and flavorful Italian-inspired dish made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fragrant basil, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This simple yet delicious recipe highlights the natural sweetness of tomatoes and the aromatic freshness of basil, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal. It’s a quick and easy dish, perfect for busy weeknights, summer dinners, or a healthy vegetarian option that’s full of Mediterranean flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
✔ Fresh & Light – No heavy cream or butter, just simple, wholesome ingredients.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.
✔ Versatile – Enjoy it as is or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or cheese for extra flavor.
✔ Healthy & Vegan-Friendly – Naturally vegetarian and easy to make vegan.
Let’s make this deliciously fresh pasta dish!
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Pasta
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine (or pasta of choice)
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. - Cook the Tomatoes
Add chopped tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. - Toss with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce. - Add Fresh Basil
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Let the heat gently wilt the basil for maximum flavor. - Serve & Enjoy
Plate the pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, flavorful dish!
Notes & Variations
✔ Use Cherry Tomatoes – For a sweeter, more vibrant flavor, substitute cherry or grape tomatoes.
✔ Make It Creamy – Add ¼ cup heavy cream for a creamy tomato basil sauce.
✔ Enhance with Protein – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
✔ Make It Vegan – Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast instead.
✔ Extra Flavor? – Stir in 1 tsp balsamic vinegar for a hint of sweetness.
How to Adjust This Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe to Your Liking
One of the best things about Tomato Basil Pasta is how easily customizable it is! Here are some simple ways to tweak the recipe to match your preferences:
1. Choose Your Favorite Pasta
- Classic: Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work great.
- Short Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well.
- Gluten-Free: Use chickpea, lentil, or rice-based pasta.
- Low-Carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
2. Make It More Filling
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- More Vegetables: Try sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or mascarpone cheese.
3. Adjust the Flavor
- More Garlic: Love garlic? Add an extra clove or two.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Tangy & Bright: A splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice enhances the flavors.
- Extra Umami: Stir in capers, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for depth.
4. Make It Vegan or Dairy-Free
- Skip the Cheese: Use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan instead.
- Use Vegan Butter: For extra richness, replace olive oil with plant-based butter.
Feel free to experiment with these variations to make Tomato Basil Pasta your own! 🍅🌿🍝
More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Try
If you love this Tomato Basil Pasta, here are some more must-try pasta recipes to add to your collection:
- Pasta e Fagioli – A hearty Italian soup loaded with beans, pasta, and a rich tomato broth, perfect for cozy meals.
- Ragu Sauce Recipe – A slow-simmered, meaty Italian sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta for a classic comfort dish.
- Cheese Wheel Pasta – A creamy, indulgent pasta dish tossed inside a Parmesan cheese wheel for ultimate cheesiness!
Try them all and find your new favorite pasta recipe! 🍝✨
FAQs – Tomato Basil Pasta
Does Basil Go with Tomato Pasta?
Yes! Basil and tomatoes are a classic flavor combination, commonly used in Italian cuisine. Basil’s sweet, slightly peppery taste enhances the natural sweetness and acidity of tomatoes, making it a perfect herb for tomato-based pasta dishes. Adding fresh basil at the end of cooking brings out its aromatic freshness and balances the flavors beautifully.
How to Enhance Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce?
To elevate the flavor of your tomato basil pasta sauce, try these tips:
✔ Sauté Garlic & Onions – Cooking them in olive oil before adding tomatoes adds depth.
✔ Use Fresh Tomatoes – Ripe, juicy tomatoes create the best flavor, but high-quality canned tomatoes work too.
✔ Simmer Slowly – Letting the sauce simmer for at least 20-30 minutes develops richer flavors.
✔ Add Red Pepper Flakes – A pinch of spice enhances the overall taste.
✔ A Splash of Balsamic Vinegar – Adds sweetness and complexity.
✔ Stir in Butter or Olive Oil – A little fat makes the sauce silkier and more balanced.
What Can I Add to Tomato Pasta to Make It Taste Better?
f your tomato pasta tastes too plain, here are a few simple ways to boost the flavor:
For Spice: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder for a kick.
For Richness: Stir in a pat of butter or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
For Creaminess: Mix in Parmesan cheese, ricotta, or heavy cream.
For More Texture: Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
For Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled sausage.
For Depth: Toss in capers, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Do You Put Fresh Basil On or In Pasta?
Fresh basil can be used both on and in pasta, depending on your preference:
✔ In the Sauce: Add basil during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to infuse its flavor into the sauce.
✔ On Top as a Garnish: Freshly torn basil leaves sprinkled over the finished pasta add a burst of freshness and enhance presentation.
For the best flavor, avoid overcooking fresh basil, as heat can make it lose its vibrant taste.
🏆 Final Thoughts (Tomato Basil Pasta)
This Tomato Basil Pasta is the perfect balance of fresh, simple, and delicious. Whether you enjoy it as a light summer meal or a quick weeknight dinner, its vibrant flavors and easy preparation make it an instant favorite.
Give it a try and let me know what you think! 😊👇
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Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
This Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple, fresh, and flavorful dish made with juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a quick 20-minute recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or a light, satisfying meal. Enjoy it as-is or add parmesan, grilled chicken, or shrimp for extra protein!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes (halved) or 2 large tomatoes (diced)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Extra basil leaves
- More Parmesan cheese
- Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.Toss the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the tomato sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta waterto loosen the sauce.Add Fresh Basil & Parmesan:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix well until combined.Serve & Enjoy:
Divide into bowls and garnish with extra basil, Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm!
Notes
- Want more protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
- Use ripe tomatoes! Fresh, sweet, and juicy tomatoes make the best sauce.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or burrata cheese for a richer texture.
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles (zoodles).
- Add more veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Spice it up: A dash of red pepper flakes adds a mild kick!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380 kcaL
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 12g