Quick Tomato Basil Pasta

A vibrant, aromatic pasta dish featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic ready in minutes for a satisfying meal.

This dish has become my go-to when I want a fast yet impressive meal for guests or family dinners.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) spaghetti or linguine
• Vegetables & Herbs: 400 g (14 oz) ripe cherry tomatoes, halved, 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, 1 small red onion, finely chopped, 1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn
• Pantry: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, Salt, to taste, Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Garnish (optional): 40 g (1/3 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Extra basil leaves

Instructions

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2:

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red onion, sauté for 1 2 minutes until fragrant and softened, but not browned.

Step 3:

Add the cherry tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices.

Step 4:

Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta.

Step 5:

Remove from heat, stir in the torn basil leaves, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6:

Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese and extra basil if desired.

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This recipe always brings my family around the table happiness and easy conversation.

Required Tools

Large pot, large skillet, chef's knife, cutting board, wooden spoon, colander

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (Parmesan cheese). Use gluten-free pasta or omit dairy for dietary needs.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 410 calories, 11 g total fat, 65 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein

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Serve fresh and enjoy the vibrant flavors in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Sauté garlic over medium heat just until fragrant and lightly softened, stirring frequently to avoid browning and bitterness.

→ Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?

Yes, penne, fusilli, or linguine work well as they hold sauce nicely and cook within similar times.

→ What is the purpose of reserved pasta water?

Adding some reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta by releasing starch, creating a smooth coating.

→ How fresh should the basil be?

Fresh, tender basil leaves add the best aroma and bright herbal notes; tear them gently to release oils without bruising.

→ What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

For dairy-free options, try nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese substitutes to maintain a savory finish.