Fresh Tomato Pasta

Marcus

| 10-11-2026

· Cate team

Tomato Basil Pasta is a classic Italian-inspired dish combining juicy tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, garlic, and tender pasta. The tomatoes create a naturally rich sauce, while olive oil brings all the flavors together.

Light, colorful, and satisfying, this recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or family dinner. With simple ingredients and only 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time, it is also an excellent choice for beginners.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

- 220 g (8 oz) dried spaghetti or penne

- 2 liters water

- 1 teaspoon salt

For the Tomato Basil Sauce:

- 2 tablespoons pure olive oil

- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

- 350 g (12 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved

- ¼ teaspoon fine salt, plus extra to taste

- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed

- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil, for serving

- 20–30 g grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

- Up to 1 cup reserved pasta water

Preparation and Cooking Time

- Preparation Time: 5 minutes

- Cooking Time: 10 minutes

- Total Time: 15 minutes

- Servings: 4

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash 350 g of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Peel and finely mince 3 garlic cloves. Rinse 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, pat them dry, and slice most of them into thin strips. Reserve a few whole leaves for decoration. Measure the remaining ingredients before starting.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 220 g of dried pasta. Stir during the first minute to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, meaning tender but slightly firm in the center.

Step 3: Reserve the Pasta Water

Before draining the pasta, scoop out 1 cup of cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta without rinsing it. The starch in the reserved water will help create a smoother sauce and allow it to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ¼ teaspoon of chili flakes, if desired. Stir for approximately 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as it can develop a bitter taste.

Step 5: Make the Tomato Sauce

Add the halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Gently press some tomatoes with a wooden spoon to release their juices. Continue until they soften and form a thick, juicy sauce.

Step 6: Add the Fresh Basil

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the sliced basil leaves and stir gently until softened. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary. Adding basil near the end helps preserve its fresh aroma.

Step 7: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss thoroughly until every piece is coated with tomato sauce. If the mixture looks dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water at a time. Continue tossing and cook over high heat for approximately 30 seconds.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and divide the pasta among four plates. Drizzle with a little olive oil, then garnish with the reserved basil leaves. Add approximately 5–7 g of grated Parmesan cheese per serving if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Cherry tomatoes are ideal because they soften quickly and release natural juices. You can also use approximately six medium-sized regular tomatoes. Remove excess seeds and watery pulp, then cut them into small cubes. Cook slightly longer if needed to thicken the sauce.

Remember to reserve pasta water before draining. Add it gradually because the tomatoes may already provide enough moisture. Avoid adding too much at once, as this can make the sauce watery.

Final Thoughts

Tomato Basil Pasta is a practical homemade meal that combines fresh ingredients with simple cooking techniques. Its juicy tomato sauce, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil create a satisfying dish without complicated preparation. Whether served for lunch or dinner, this easy recipe brings fresh Italian-inspired flavors to the everyday table.

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Video by Daen's Kitchen