One-Pot

Tomato Basil Pasta

Name: Tomato Basil Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) pasta; 2 cups (250g) fresh tomatoes, diced; 1 cup (20g) fresh basil, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 1 cup (250ml) canned tomatoes; 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsley

By Vera Northcote · June 19, 2026 · One-Pot

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

As a home cook, I've always been passionate about creating comforting, delicious meals that bring people together. One of my favorite dishes to make is Tomato Basil Pasta, a classic Italian-American recipe that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

I remember learning how to make this dish from my grandmother, who would spend hours in the kitchen perfecting her technique. She'd use the freshest ingredients, carefully selecting the ripest tomatoes and the most fragrant basil to create a sauce that was both simple and profound.

Over the years, I've tweaked my grandmother's recipe to make it my own, adding a few modern twists and substitutions to make it more accessible to home cooks. But the core of the dish remains the same: a rich, tangy tomato sauce infused with the bright, herbaceous flavor of fresh basil, served over al dente pasta.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's a great way to use up fresh tomatoes and basil from your garden or the farmer's market. So let's get started, and I'll show you how to make the perfect Tomato Basil Pasta!

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it with a variety of pasta shapes, from spaghetti to pappardelle, and you can add other ingredients to suit your taste. Some of my favorite additions include grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to use up fresh tomatoes and basil from your garden or the farmer's market.
The dish is versatile and can be made with a variety of pasta shapes and added ingredients.
It's a comforting, delicious meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made for a large group or a small family.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables in a delicious and satisfying way.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Tomato Basil Pasta is in the sauce. By using a combination of canned and fresh tomatoes, we get a deep, rich flavor that's both tangy and slightly sweet. The canned tomatoes provide a concentrated tomato flavor, while the fresh tomatoes add a bright, fruity note.

Another important factor is the cooking technique. By cooking the pasta al dente and then finishing it in the sauce, we create a dish that's both creamy and textured. The starches from the pasta help to thicken the sauce, while the basil adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Finally, the quality of the ingredients is crucial. By using fresh, high-quality tomatoes and basil, we get a dish that's full of flavor and aroma. So be sure to choose the best ingredients you can find, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect Tomato Basil Pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and pasta. Be sure to choose the freshest ingredients you can find, as they'll make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.

In addition to the ingredients, you'll also need some basic kitchen equipment, such as a large pot, a cutting board, and a chef's knife. Don't worry if you don't have all of the equipment on hand - you can always substitute or improvise with what you have.

1 lb (450g) pastaI like to use a combination of spaghetti and pappardelle for this recipe, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Just be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
2 cups (250g) fresh tomatoes, dicedFresh tomatoes are a must for this recipe, as they add a bright, fruity flavor to the sauce. Look for ripe, flavorful tomatoes at your local farmer's market or grocery store.
1 cup (20g) fresh basil, choppedFresh basil is another essential ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a fragrant, herbaceous flavor to the sauce. Be sure to chop it finely, as it will release its oils and flavor more easily.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental flavor component in many Italian dishes, and it's especially important in Tomato Basil Pasta. Be sure to mince it finely, as it will cook quickly and evenly.
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilOlive oil is a healthy and flavorful choice for this recipe, as it adds a rich, fruity flavor to the sauce. Look for a high-quality olive oil that's cold-pressed and extra-virgin.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt is an essential seasoning in many dishes, and it's especially important in Tomato Basil Pasta. Be sure to use a high-quality salt that's free of additives and preservatives.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper is another fundamental seasoning in many dishes, and it's especially important in Tomato Basil Pasta. Be sure to use a high-quality pepper that's freshly ground and aromatic.
1 cup (250ml) canned tomatoesCanned tomatoes are a convenient and flavorful choice for this recipe, as they add a deep, rich flavor to the sauce. Look for a high-quality brand that's free of additives and preservatives.
1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is a classic Italian ingredient that adds a salty, nutty flavor to many dishes. Be sure to use a high-quality Parmesan that's freshly grated and aromatic.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is a great garnish for this recipe, as it adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. Be sure to chop it finely, as it will release its oils and flavor more easily.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenCutting boardChef's knifeColander or strainerWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometerGrater or microplane

How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add 1 lb (450g) of pasta and cook until it's al dente, about 7-9 minutes.
2
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1/4 cup (60ml) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3
Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook until it's fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4
Add 2 cups (250g) of diced fresh tomatoes to the skillet, along with 1 cup (20g) of chopped fresh basil and 1/2 tsp (2g) of salt.
5
Cook the tomatoes and basil for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down and release their juices.
6
Add 1 cup (250ml) of canned tomatoes to the skillet, along with 1/4 tsp (1g) of black pepper.
7
Stir the sauce well, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
8
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
9
When the pasta is done cooking, drain it in a colander and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
10
Toss the pasta in the sauce until it's well coated, then remove the skillet from the heat.
11
Stir in 2 tbsp (30g) of chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup (60g) of grated Parmesan cheese.
12
Serve the Tomato Basil Pasta hot, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes and basil, to get the best flavor out of your sauce.
Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley at the end of cooking, as they will add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
Use a variety of pasta shapes, such as spaghetti and pappardelle, to add texture and interest to the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make the recipe your own.
Consider adding other ingredients, such as grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp, to make the dish more substantial and satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as canned tomatoes with added salt and preservatives.
Not seasoning the sauce enough, which can make it taste bland and uninteresting.
Not stirring the sauce occasionally, which can cause it to stick to the bottom of the pan and burn.
Not adding the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley at the end of cooking, which can make the dish taste flat and uninteresting.
Not serving the dish hot, which can make it congeal and lose its flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make the dish more substantial and satisfying.
Using different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, to add texture and interest to the dish.
Adding other ingredients, such as roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms, to make the dish more flavorful and nutritious.
Using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to add a creamy and rich texture to the dish.
Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.
Using fresh basil leaves as a garnish, rather than chopped parsley, to add a bright and herbaceous flavor to the dish.

What to Serve With Tomato Basil Pasta

This dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it as a main course, accompanied by a protein such as grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. You can also serve it with a side of marinara sauce or a green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled chickenSautéed shrimpMarinara sauce

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the frozen dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

When reheating, be sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to thin it out and prevent it from becoming too thick and sticky.

To freeze, simply cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date and the contents, and store it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

When thawing, be sure to thaw the dish slowly and safely, either in the refrigerator or in cold water. Never thaw the dish at room temperature, as this can allow bacteria to grow and cause foodborne illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

I like to use a combination of spaghetti and pappardelle for this recipe, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Just be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

While canned tomatoes can be a convenient and flavorful choice, fresh tomatoes will always provide the best flavor and texture. If you do choose to use canned tomatoes, look for a high-quality brand that's free of added salt and preservatives.

How do I prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan?

To prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan, be sure to stir it occasionally as it's cooking. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to thin it out and prevent it from becoming too thick and sticky.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date and the contents, and store it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

How do I reheat this dish?

To reheat this dish, simply thaw the frozen dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming. Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this recipe to make it more substantial and satisfying. Some ideas include grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, roasted vegetables, or sautéed mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.

How do I store this dish in the refrigerator?

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the sauce and cook the pasta, then store them separately in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and combine it with the cooked pasta.

The Full Recipe

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