This vibrant Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick, wholesome dinner that bursts with fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil.
Packed with fiber-rich vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, and a touch of protein from parmesan, it’s light yet satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an easy, nutritious, and flavorful option for everyday meals or effortless meal prep.
Tomato Basil Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Garlic Peeler
- 1 Large Stainless Steel Skillet
- 1 Pasta Pot
Ingredients
Pasta
- ½ lb 225 g penne, cavatappi, or preferred pasta
- Salt for boiling water
Tomato Basil Sauce
- 2 –3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- ⅓ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ⅓ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups fresh basil chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese plus extra for topping
Topping
- Grated parmesan cheese for garnish
- Italian seasoning for sprinkling
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta Water: Fill a large pasta pot with enough water to allow the pasta to move freely while cooking. Place it over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Stir briefly to dissolve the salt before adding the pasta.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Add your chosen pasta—penne, cavatappi, or any favorite shape—into the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). This usually takes around 8–10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Then, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Heat Olive Oil for Sauce: Place a large stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2–3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and allow it to warm until it shimmers but does not smoke. Properly heated oil will help release the flavor of the garlic and infuse the sauce with richness.
- Sauté Garlic Until Fragrant: Add the minced garlic to the heated oil. Stir constantly for about 45 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly. The aroma should be rich and savory, signaling it’s ready for the next step.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes and Seasoning: Introduce the halved cherry or grape tomatoes into the skillet. Sprinkle in ⅓ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to combine. Allow the tomatoes to cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will soften, release their natural juices, and start to burst.
- Mash Tomatoes for Chunky Sauce: Using a fork or potato masher, gently mash about two-thirds of the tomatoes to release their juices. Leave the remaining third intact for added texture and visual appeal. The result should be a slightly chunky sauce with a natural, fresh tomato base that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Incorporate Fresh Basil: Add 1½ cups of chopped fresh basil into the tomato mixture. Stir gently to allow the basil to wilt slightly and infuse its aromatic flavor throughout the sauce. Fresh basil enhances both the taste and the vibrant color of the dish.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato basil sauce. Pour in ⅓ cup of grated parmesan cheese and stir thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve a silky, clingy consistency that envelops the pasta perfectly.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preference. This ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced and flavorful.
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the pasta immediately in warm pasta bowls. Top generously with additional grated parmesan cheese, a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and extra flavor. Pair with roasted garlic bread or a crisp green salad to create a complete, satisfying meal.
- Optional Finishing Touch: For a little extra richness, drizzle a small amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the plated pasta just before serving. This elevates the flavors and gives a glossy finish to the dish, making it visually appealing and restaurant-quality at home.
Notes
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the richest flavor.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes work best, but you can use regular tomatoes cut into small chunks.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency—it helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
- Fresh basil is key; add some at the end for garnish to retain its aroma.
- Parmesan cheese adds both flavor and a touch of protein; feel free to adjust to taste.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but provide a subtle, pleasant heat.
- Cook pasta al dente for the perfect texture; overcooked pasta can become mushy once mixed with the sauce.
Chef’s Secrets To Perfect Pasta
The magic of this Tomato Basil Pasta lies in balancing flavors and textures.
Start by sautéing garlic just until fragrant; burnt garlic can quickly overpower the dish.
Gently mash some of the tomatoes while leaving some whole for a perfect balance of chunky and saucy texture.
Fresh basil added at the end keeps its vibrant aroma intact.
For extra depth, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water—it naturally emulsifies the sauce with the parmesan, creating a silky, luxurious coating that makes every bite memorable.
Serving Suggestions For Every Occasion
This pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides for a complete meal.
Serve it alongside roasted garlic bread or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon.
For a heartier dinner, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
Garnishing with extra parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil elevates presentation for entertaining guests.
Even for a casual weeknight dinner, this colorful pasta can feel indulgent without being heavy.
Storage Tips To Maintain Freshness
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To prevent the sauce from thickening too much, reserve a small amount of pasta water when reheating; adding it back restores the original consistency.
This pasta can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though fresh basil should be added only after reheating to preserve its bright flavor.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Penne or cavatappi are recommended for their ability to hold sauce, but fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti work equally well.
Adjust cooking time according to the pasta type and follow al dente instructions for the best texture.
2. Is it okay to skip garlic or red pepper flakes?
Absolutely. Garlic adds depth, and red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat, but the recipe remains flavorful without them.
You can also substitute with roasted garlic or omit spice for a milder version.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Replace parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast to keep the nutty, cheesy flavor while maintaining a vegan-friendly dish.
4. How can I enhance the tomato flavor?
For a richer, more concentrated tomato taste, roast the cherry tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the skillet.
You can also add a teaspoon of tomato paste while cooking for extra depth.
5. Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chop the basil in advance.
Store separately in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
This makes it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.
