Description
A quick and fresh Tomato Basil Pasta recipe perfect for busy evenings, combining ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and olive oil with your choice of pasta to create a light yet satisfying meal ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 300g pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 4 fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden, about 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Fresh Tomatoes: Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes, cooking just until they begin to break down and release their juices, about 3 to 5 minutes. This creates a light, fresh sauce base.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the tomato and garlic mixture. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the noodles.
- Finish with Fresh Basil and Seasoning: Tear fresh basil leaves and stir them through the pasta just before serving. Season generously with salt, pepper, and if desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use the freshest basil and add it at the very end to keep its bright flavor and vibrant color.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help flavors combine.
- Avoid overcooking tomatoes to keep the dish fresh and lively.
- Salt your pasta water well to enhance pasta texture and flavor.
- Opt for good-quality olive oil for the best final flavor.
- For variations, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein.
- To keep it dairy-free, omit Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg