If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal, Tomato Basil Pasta is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan come together to create a light yet satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 25 minutes.
- Made with simple, fresh ingredients.
- Light, flavorful, and perfect for any season.
- Family-friendly and easy to customize.
- A great way to enjoy fresh basil and sweet tomatoes.
- Delicious as a main dish or paired with garlic bread and a salad.
Ingredients
Pasta
- Salt
- ½ pound penne, cavatappi, or your favorite pasta
Tomato Basil Sauce
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups fresh basil, chopped
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the halved tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst.
- Mash about two-thirds of the tomatoes with a fork, leaving the remaining tomatoes whole for texture.
- Add the cooked pasta, chopped basil, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet.
- Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the Tomato Basil Pasta immediately with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and garlic toast if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the sweetest flavor.
- Fresh basil delivers the best taste—avoid dried basil if possible.
- Reserve pasta water before draining to create a silky sauce.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
- Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for restaurant-quality flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls make a delicious addition.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors.
- Add spinach during the last minute of cooking for extra greens.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
FAQ
Can I make Tomato Basil Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
Which pasta works best?
Penne, cavatappi, fusilli, spaghetti, and rigatoni all work well.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes. Whole peeled or diced tomatoes can be substituted when fresh tomatoes aren’t available.
Can I freeze it?
The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Freshly cooked pasta gives the best texture.
How can I add more protein?
Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Similar Recipes
Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Basil
Ingredients
Pasta
- Salt
- ½ pound penne cavatappi, or your favorite pasta
Tomato Basil Sauce
- 2 –3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- ⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups fresh basil chopped
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the halved tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst.
- Mash about two-thirds of the tomatoes with a fork, leaving the remaining tomatoes whole for texture.
- Add the cooked pasta, chopped basil, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet.
- Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the Tomato Basil Pasta immediately with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and garlic toast if desired.
Notes
- Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls make a delicious addition.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors.
- Add spinach during the last minute of cooking for extra greens.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Conclusion
This Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple, fresh, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining. With juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and Parmesan creating a vibrant homemade sauce, this easy pasta recipe delivers comforting flavor in every bite.