Tomato Basil Pasta is is a simple yet classic dish beloved for its fresh flavors. It is also a flavorful vegan pasta. Perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting weekend lunch, it pairs wonderfully with a glass of cocktail and a side of crusty bread. All it takes is just 30 mins to get ready.
Follow us on Pinterest for delicious pins. Join our Facebook group for more Instant Pot and Air Fryer recipes.
Somedays pasta dinner is totally a time saver. It takes less than 30 mins. Plus you can customize them as per your taste buds. It is wholesome and makes a quick weekday dinner.
Jump to:
Tomato Basil Pasta
Tomato Basil Pasta is an easy-to-make quick dinner, ideal for a busy weekday. It is crafted with just the pantry ingredients and is a delight in every bite. The freshness from the basil adds a light and aromatic touch to the dish, making it not only simple but also a flavorful meal option.
Ingredients
Pasta - Use any pasta variety you prefer. I am using the farfalle type, but you may use the elbow, spaghetti, or even shell pasta.
Olive Oil - Use EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil ) for the pasta.
Garlic - Sauteing the chopped garlic in olive oil gives a yummy flavor.
Tomato - This is the base for the pasta. I am using cherry tomato and also tomato paste. Both blends and gives a perfect sauce base for the pasta.
Red Pepper Flakes - Adjust and use as per your spice levels. If you like a really hot pasta add 1 tsp or make it half. Skip if you prefer the pasta less spicy.
Basil Leaves - Adds a lovely flavor to the pasta. Use Italian Basil leaves. Chop and add to the pasta, so they shrink and blend easily in the sauce. Reduce it to ¾ cup if you want less flavor from the basil leaves.
How to make Tomato Basil Pasta
Cook the Pasta
Bring in lots of water to boil in a pan with 1 tsp of Water. Add the pasta and cook as per the package instructions to al dente.
Drain the pasta once it's cooked and set aside.
Prepare the tomato Base:
Heat a pan with oil. Once it's hot add finely chopped garlic and saute for a few secs until the garlic is golden.
Next, add the tomato, Keep cooking on a low flame. Use a ladle and break the tomatoes to release their juice.
Next, add the tomato paste and cook so that it blends togther.
Also, add ½ cup water and cook till it comes to a boil. It slowly gets to a sauce consistency.
Add the red pepper flakes and Italian seasonings.
Next, add the finely chopped basil leaves, saute for a min and the leaves shrink.
Combine Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked pasta and toss everything togther.
Tasty and absolutely delicious Tomato Basil Pasta is ready.
Tips & Variations
- If you are not vegan you may also use butter in place of Olive oil, Butter adds up to the flavor profile.
- You can also add some cream cheese if you prefer creamy pasta. Half and half or even cream works well.
- You can use the reserved pasta liquid in place of water in the sauce. Pasta water thickens up the sauce even more and quicker too.
- Never add the pasta to normal water bring the water to a Pasta goes well as a dinner for a cold night with some soup or bread on the side. Always serve pasta hot. Boil and then add the pasta.
- Cook the pasta as per the time given in the packet. It will be perfect all the time.
- You can also add more protein like shrimp or mushroom if you prefer.
- Break and cook the tomato on a medium high heat until it's saucy. It gives a nice flavor and helps the tomato to get cooked real quick.
Serving Suggestions
Pasta goes well as a dinner for a cold night with some soup or bread on the side. Always serve pasta hot.
Storing Options
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an air-tight container. You can reheat them in the microwave or stove and use them. Use an extra 2 tbsp of water for reheating as the pasta will be dry. Adjust salt if needed.
Similar Recipes
★ Did you enjoy this recipe? If you happen to try it out, I would love to hear from you! I’d appreciate it if you could rate and leave a review below in the comments. Your reviews help others know the recipe better too. Thanks for your time. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter for more updates from me.
📖 Recipe
Tomato Basil Pasta
Standard 1 cup measures 240 ml
Ingredients
- 2 cup Pasta
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 8 cloves Garlic
- 3 cups Cherry Tomato
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- ½ cup Water
- 1 tsp Red Chilli flakes optional ( adjust as per your spice level )
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1.5 cups Basil Leaves Add ¾ cup if you dont prefer a strong basil flavor
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring in lots of water to boil in a pan with 1 tsp of Salt. Add the pasta and cook as per the package instructions to al dente.
- Drain the pasta once it's cooked and set aside.
Prepare the tomato Base:
- Heat a pan with oil. Once it's hot add finely chopped garlic and saute for a few secs until the garlic is golden
- Next, add the tomato, Keep cooking on a low flame. Use a ladle and break the tomatoes to release their juice. Next, add the tomato paste and cook so that it blends togther.
- Also, add ½ cup water and cook till it comes to a boil. It slowly gets to a sauce consistency. Add the red pepper flakes and Italian seasonings.
- Next, add the finely chopped basil leaves, saute for a min and the leaves shrink.
Combine Pasta:
- Finally, add the cooked pasta and toss everything togther.
- Tasy and absolutely delicious Tomato Basil Pasta is ready.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- If you are not vegan you may also use butter in place of Olive oil, Butter adds up to the flavor profile.
- You can also add some cream cheese if you prefer creamy pasta. Half and half or even cream works well.
- You can use the reserved pasta liquid in place of water in the sauce. Pasta water thickens up the sauce even more and quicker too.
- Never add the pasta to normal water bring the water to a Pasta goes well as a dinner for a cold night with some soup or bread on the side. Always serve pasta hot. Boil and then add the pasta.
- Cook the pasta as per the time given in the packet. It will be perfect all the time.
- You can also add more protein like shrimp or mushroom if you prefer.
- Break and cook the tomato on a medium high heat until it's saucy. It gives a nice flavor and helps the tomato to get cooked real quick.
Serving Suggestions
Pasta goes well as a dinner for a cold night with some soup or bread on the side. Always serve pasta hot.Storing Options
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an air-tight container. You can reheat them in the microwave or stove and use them. Use an extra 2 tbsp of water for reheating as the pasta will be dry. Adjust salt if needed.Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist, the nutrition value provided here is an estimate. It will vary based on the quantity and brands of the products used.
Leave a Reply