Name: Tomato Basil Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti noodles; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 3-4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 pounds Roma tomatoes (diced, or cherry tomatoes, halved); freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped); 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided); 1-2 chicken breasts (optional)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This classic Tomato Basil Pasta brings the authentic flavors of Italy right to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. With perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a vibrant sauce of fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil, this dish delivers both comfort and nutrition.

At 432 calories per serving, it’s a well-balanced meal that combines 23g of protein with complex carbohydrates. The natural sweetness of tomatoes, complemented by fragrant basil, creates a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta – Ingredients

Spaghetti: 12 ounces, forms the perfect base for this dish
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, use high-quality for best flavor
Garlic: 3-4 cloves minced, adds aromatic depth
Roma Tomatoes: 2 pounds diced, or cherry tomatoes halved for sweetness
Black Pepper: Freshly ground to taste, enhances overall flavor
Fresh Basil: 1 cup chopped, brings bright, herbal notes
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup freshly grated, divided for layers of flavor
Chicken Breasts: 1-2 pieces (optional), adds protein

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pasta Preparation: Cook spaghetti following package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside
Garlic Infusion: Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant
Tomato Magic: Add fresh tomatoes, cook while stirring for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened
Season & Garnish: Add black pepper, sprinkle 2 tablespoons parmesan, and toss in fresh basil
Final Assembly: Place hot pasta on plates, top with tomato mixture, and finish with remaining parmesan
Serving: Enjoy immediately while hot and fresh

Cooking Techniques

The magic of this pasta dish lies in how you handle the garlic and tomatoes! When sautéing garlic, keep a close eye on it – just 30 seconds is perfect to release its flavor without burning.

For the juiciest tomatoes, let them cook just long enough to warm through and release their natural sweetness. This quick cooking keeps them fresh-tasting and helps maintain their beautiful texture.

Variations & Substitutions

This simple pasta welcomes so many tasty changes! You can swap regular tomatoes for cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness, or mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor. No fresh basil? Use baby spinach or arugula instead.

The recipe works great with any pasta shape – try penne, bow ties, or rotini. Making it gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. For extra protein beyond the optional chicken, try adding mozzarella balls, cannellini beans, or grilled shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this gorgeous pasta right away while it’s hot and the garlic-tomato aroma fills your kitchen! A piece of crusty bread makes the perfect partner – you’ll want to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.

Add a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice to complete your meal. For a fun touch, put extra parmesan and red pepper flakes on the table so everyone can customize their plate.

Storage Tips

This pasta tastes best fresh, but you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a tiny splash of water and warm it gently on the stovetop or in short bursts in the microwave.

The fresh basil might darken, but the flavor will still be yummy! If you want to prep ahead, chop your tomatoes and garlic earlier in the day and keep them ready in the fridge.