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To make a great tomato basil pasta, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will use: - 300g spaghetti or linguine - 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste These items work together to create a delicious dish. The ripe tomatoes add sweetness, while the basil gives a fresh flavor. Garlic and onion bring depth to the sauce. You can add extra flavors to your pasta with optional ingredients. Consider using: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for some heat) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. If you love cheese, sprinkle some Parmesan on top for a creamy touch. For a special finish, you can top your pasta with: - Extra fresh basil leaves - A drizzle of olive oil These toppings not only make your dish look beautiful but also enhance the taste. Fresh basil and olive oil add brightness and richness. Enjoy creating your tasty tomato basil pasta! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 300g of spaghetti or linguine. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Test the pasta a minute early. It should be firm yet tender. This means it is al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set your pasta aside after draining. Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to bring out the garlic's aroma. Then, toss in 4 diced ripe tomatoes. Let this mixture cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the tomatoes break down into a sauce. Now it’s time to mix! Add the cooked pasta to your skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add your reserved pasta water slowly. Keep mixing until you reach your preferred thickness. Finally, stir in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Enjoy your delicious creation! To cook spaghetti or linguine just right, use a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil before adding the pasta. Stir it gently to prevent sticking. Check the package for cooking time. Aim for al dente, meaning firm but not hard. When done, save one cup of pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce's thickness later. For a rich sauce, use ripe tomatoes. They add sweetness and depth. Sauté onions in olive oil until soft. This brings out their sweetness. Add minced garlic just before the tomatoes. This keeps the garlic’s flavor strong. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Always season with salt and black pepper to brighten the dish. Serve the pasta hot right from the skillet. This keeps it warm and appealing. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for color. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch and flavor. Use a large fork to twirl the pasta on the plate. This creates a beautiful nest shape. A drizzle of olive oil can add shine. Enjoy the vibrant colors and aromas! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of this dish greatly depends on the freshness of the tomatoes and basil. Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best taste. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always cook pasta until al dente to maintain a firm texture. This helps it hold up better when mixed with the sauce. Adjust the Sauce: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. This also helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta. Enhance Flavor with Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a vegan option. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your tomato basil pasta. Grilled chicken or shrimp work well. For chicken, season with salt and pepper. Cook it in a hot skillet until golden and cooked through. For shrimp, simply sauté them in olive oil until they turn pink. Toss either into the pasta before serving. This makes the dish hearty and filling. If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, skip the cheese. You can add more veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Roast them for extra flavor. If you need protein, try chickpeas or lentils. They add a nice texture and boost nutrition. You can easily swap ingredients to change the flavor. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes. If you love a tangy taste, try adding capers or olives. You can also mix in different herbs like oregano or thyme. These swaps can transform the dish while keeping it fresh and fun. To store leftover tomato basil pasta, let it cool down first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe from any bad smells. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won't forget when you made it! When you are ready to eat the pasta again, use the stovetop for reheating. Put the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help it heat evenly. Stir it often so it warms up without sticking. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat it in short bursts. Check and stir often to avoid hot spots. If you want to save some pasta for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the cooled pasta into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers to store them. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can keep it frozen for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it using one of the methods above. Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. They are a great choice when fresh ones are not available. Canned tomatoes often have a rich flavor, especially if they are whole or diced. Look for high-quality brands with no added sugar or preservatives. When using canned tomatoes, drain some liquid to avoid a watery sauce. You can also add a bit of sugar to balance acidity if needed. Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can cook a large batch and store it in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-5 days. Just reheat portions in the microwave or on the stove. The flavors may deepen, making it even tastier. If you plan to store it, keep the fresh basil and cheese separate until serving to maintain freshness. To make this dish gluten-free, swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many great options made from rice, corn, or lentils. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions. The sauce remains the same, so you won't lose any flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious dish without worry. Tomato basil pasta is simple yet full of flavor. You learned about key ingredients and how to make the sauce. We covered tips for cooking pasta and enhancing flavors. You can even try different toppings and variations, like adding chicken or shrimp. Remember how to store leftovers properly for the best taste later. Now, it’s your turn to make this dish. Enjoy the process and share it with others. This meal brings joy and comfort to the table.

Tomato Basil Pasta Delight

A delicious pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes and basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • for serving Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  • Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, add the diced tomatoes. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to combine, allowing the pasta to soak up some of the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Finish with Basil: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything once more to ensure the pasta is fully coated.
  • Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnishing with additional fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Keyword basil, pasta, tomato, vegetarian