Tomato Basil Pasta

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Tomato Basil Pasta is the embodiment of simplicity meeting flavor. With juicy cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil, this dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients that come together in no time.

Ingredients for Tomato Basil Pasta

Spaghetti serves as the hearty base of this dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the other ingredients. Extra-virgin olive oil provides a smooth, fruity undertone that binds everything together. Garlic infuses the dish with a warm, savory aroma. Fresh basil leaves bring a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a touch of salty, umami goodness to finish the dish. And of course, salt and pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. You can use it to loosen the sauce if the pasta seems too dry.
  • Use the freshest basil you can find — it makes a huge difference in flavor.
  • If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Tomato Basil Pasta with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread or a rustic, crusty loaf would also complement the dish beautifully. For a special touch, serve with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne or fusilli work well, too, as they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
What if I don't have fresh basil?
You can substitute with dried basil, but use it sparingly as it's more concentrated.
Is there a way to make this vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.

Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions and aim for al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. This ensures it’s ready just when you need it.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as this can make it taste bitter.

Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll know they're ready when they start to soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce in the skillet.

Now, it’s time to incorporate the spaghetti. Add it to the skillet and toss it gently to coat it with the tomato and garlic mixture. This step ensures that the pasta absorbs all the wonderful flavors.

Stir in the fresh basil leaves, seasoning the dish with salt and pepper to your taste. Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat.

Finally, sprinkle the pasta with the Parmesan cheese before serving. This adds a deliciously salty finish that ties all the flavors together.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make — perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses fresh, seasonal ingredients that burst with flavor.
  • Minimal ingredients mean it's budget-friendly.
  • Simple yet impressive enough for dinner guests.

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
3. Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the tomato mixture.
6. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

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