Few dishes capture the essence of Italian comfort food like a simple, elegant Tomato Basil Pasta. With ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed together in a silky, aromatic sauce, this dish celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients prepared with love. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or a light summer dinner, this Tomato Basil Pasta is guaranteed to satisfy.

This complete guide offers the history of the dish, a detailed recipe, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, nutritional information, and SEO-optimized content to help your article rank in search engines.

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⭐ Why Tomato Basil Pasta Is So Popular

1. Simple, Fresh Ingredients

This recipe uses pantry staples that are easy to find: ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil, and pasta. Fresh herbs and tomatoes create a bright, vibrant flavor.

2. Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home

Even though it’s simple, the flavor profile is rich and aromatic—similar to dishes served in authentic Italian trattorias.

3. Quick & Easy

You can make this entire recipe in 20–25 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.

4. Light but Satisfying

No heavy creams or rich sauces, just fresh flavors that keep you full without feeling weighed down.

5. Budget-Friendly

Tomatoes and pasta are some of the most affordable ingredients, yet they create a gourmet-level dish.

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Ingredients for Tomato Basil Pasta

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
• 4–5 large ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (for thicker sauce)
• ¼ cup white wine (adds flavor depth)
• ½ tsp sugar (only if tomatoes are very acidic)

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⭐ How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and onion, sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes

Add diced tomatoes and cherry tomatoes.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cook until tomatoes break down into a fresh sauce (about 7–10 minutes).

Step 4: Add Pasta Water

Pour in ¼–½ cup pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.
Simmer for 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Toss in Pasta

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand.

Step 6: Add Basil & Cheese

Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Serve

Top with extra basil, freshly cracked black pepper, and Parmesan.

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⭐ Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Pasta

1. Use Ripe Tomatoes

Fresh, juicy tomatoes are the heart of this recipe.
If tomatoes are off-season, use San Marzano canned tomatoes.

2. Don’t Overcook the Garlic

Burned garlic tastes bitter. Sauté lightly until golden and fragrant.

3. Save the Pasta Water

Its starch thickens the sauce naturally—no cream needed.

4. Tear the Basil, Don’t Chop

Tearing prevents dark edges and preserves flavor.

5. Serve Immediately

This dish tastes best as soon as it’s made.

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⭐ Variations of Tomato Basil Pasta

🍅 1. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Add:

• ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
• Extra Parmesan

Creates a silky, comforting sauce.

🌿 2. Tomato Basil Mozzarella Pasta

Stir in fresh mozzarella pearls at the end for a caprese-style dish.

🍝 3. Spicy Arrabbiata-Style

Increase red pepper flakes and add 1 tsp paprika.

🍤 4. Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta

Sauté shrimp separately and add at the end.

🥦 5. Veggie-Loaded Version

Add spinach, roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

🌾 6. Whole-Wheat or Gluten-Free

Use whole-grain pasta for extra fiber or switch to gluten-free pasta.

🧄 7. Roasted Garlic Tomato Pasta

Roast a head of garlic and squeeze it into the sauce for rich flavor.

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⭐ Serving Suggestions

Pair your Tomato Basil Pasta with:

• Garlic bread
• Caprese salad
• Caesar salad
• Grilled chicken or shrimp
• Roasted vegetables

For drinks:

• Sparkling water with lemon
• A crisp white wine (Pinot Grigio)
• Light red wine (Chianti)

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⭐ Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Reheat

• Add a splash of olive oil or water
• Heat gently on the stovetop or microwave

Freezing

You can freeze it, but fresh tomatoes taste best when served immediately.

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⭐ Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350–450
• Carbs: 50–60g
• Protein: 10–14g
• Fat: 10–16g
• Fiber: 4–6g

Values vary based on pasta type and added cheese.

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⭐ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes! High-quality canned tomatoes work great when fresh tomatoes are not in season.

2. What pasta shape works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, penne, and fusilli all pair beautifully with this sauce.

3. Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely—just skip the Parmesan or use a vegan substitute.

4. How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer longer or add 1 tablespoon tomato paste.

5. How do I make it less acidic?

Add a small splash of sugar or butter to balance the flavors.

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⭐ Final Thoughts: A Simple Dish with Big Flavor

This Tomato Basil Pasta is fresh, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a vibrant, flavorful pasta dish that feels straight out of an Italian kitchen.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or summer cooking when tomatoes are at their peak. Whether you enjoy it classic or customize it with shrimp, cream, or fresh mozzarella, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

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