How to make tomato and basil pasta?

Cook pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, sauté garlic and chili flakes in olive oil. Add tomatoes and cook until they burst. Stir in basil, then toss with the cooked pasta and a little reserved pasta water.

Is tomato basil good for pasta?

Yes. Tomato and basil create a fresh, balanced flavor combination. The sweetness of tomatoes pairs perfectly with aromatic basil.

What is tomato and basil pasta called?

It is commonly known as Tomato Basil Pasta. In Italian cooking, similar dishes may be referred to as pasta al pomodoro with basil.

What kind of sauce goes with tomato basil pasta?

A light sauce made from olive oil, garlic, burst tomatoes, and fresh basil works best. It keeps the dish fresh and flavorful.

Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe | Amazing Easy Italian Dinner

Name: Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe | Amazing Easy Italian Dinner
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ lb (8 oz/220 g) pasta such as spaghetti or penne; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving; 3 garlic cloves, minced or grated; ¼ tsp chili flakes; 2½ cups (about 12 oz/350 g) cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste; ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, shredded; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional

Description

Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta with burst cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and basil. A light vegetarian Italian dinner ready in 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

½ lb (8 oz/220 g) pasta such as spaghetti or penne

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving

3 garlic cloves, minced or grated

¼ tsp chili flakes

2½ cups (about 12 oz/350 g) cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste

⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, shredded

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.

2. While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and chili flakes and cook briefly until fragrant.

3. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes burst and their juices thicken into a light sauce.

4. Stir in the basil and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water. Cook together for about 30 seconds over high heat.

6. Serve with extra basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes give the best flavor and texture.

Roma or vine tomatoes can be substituted. Use about 6 tomatoes, remove excess seeds and liquid, and cook longer if needed to reduce extra moisture.

Fresh basil gives the best flavor.

Reserve pasta water before draining. The starch helps bind the sauce and improves texture if the pasta seems dry.

Parmesan is optional and can be omitted for a vegan or dairy-free version.

Adjust the amount of garlic and chili flakes to suit your taste.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 285
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 159 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg