You know those nights when you’re absolutely starving, the fridge looks a little sad, and the thought of a complicated recipe just makes you want to order takeout? Yeah, I’ve been there! That’s precisely why this Flavorful Tomato Basil Pasta Fresh And Easy Recipe is my absolute superhero. Seriously, in about thirty minutes, you can have a bowl of pure comfort food that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian trattoria, but it’s secretly ridiculously simple. This dish is my go-to when I need something that’s both incredibly fresh and satisfying, and it always hits the spot, whether it’s a weeknight dinner for myself or a quick meal for friends.
Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Tomato Basil Pasta Fresh And Easy Recipe
Seriously, this pasta is everything you want on a busy night. It’s lightning fast, takes barely any effort, and tastes SO good. You get that burst of fresh flavor from the tomatoes and basil that just makes your taste buds happy. Plus, it’s super adaptable – throw in some chicken or shrimp if you want, or enjoy it just as is. It’s a winner every single time!
Gather Your Ingredients for Flavorful Tomato Basil Pasta
Alright, let’s get our game faces on and gather what we need for this amazing dish! You won’t believe how simple the ingredient list is for such a flavorful meal. You’ll need about a pound of your favorite pasta—I’m usually partial to spaghetti or linguine for this one, but honestly, penne or fusilli work great too. Then, we’ll grab some good quality olive oil, about two tablespoons. For that punchy, aromatic base, we’ll need three cloves of garlic, all minced up nice and fine. The star of the show, besides the basil, is a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. And for seasoning, just a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. But the real magic? A generous quarter cup of fresh basil, chopped just before we toss it in, and another quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. So easy, right?
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Flavorful Tomato Basil Pasta
Okay, let’s get this deliciousness on the table! Making this Flavorful Tomato Basil Pasta is honestly a breeze. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go from a few simple ingredients to a fantastic meal, much like whipping up some delicious spaghetti bolognese. Grab your biggest skillet and let’s get cooking!
Cooking the Pasta Perfectly
First things first, get your pasta cooking! Follow the package directions, but definitely aim for ‘al dente’ – you know, that perfect bite that isn’t mushy. Once it’s ready, drain all that water out but save a little mugful of the starchy pasta water, just in case. We’ll set the pasta aside for now.
Creating the Vibrant Tomato Sauce
In your skillet, warm up that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for just about a minute until it smells amazing – be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in your crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it bubble away gently for about 10 minutes. This is where all that flavor really starts to bloom! My little secret? If you like it a bit zesty, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic! You can even pair this with some amazing garlic bread for a complete meal.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Now for the magic moment! Add your cooked pasta right into the skillet with that gorgeous tomato sauce. Give it a good toss, making sure every strand of pasta gets coated in that yummy sauce. If it seems a little thick, that reserved pasta water we saved can work wonders to loosen it up perfectly.
Finishing Touches for Freshness
Take the skillet off the heat. Now comes the best part that adds that incredible fresh pop: stir in your chopped fresh basil and the grated Parmesan cheese. That basil just brings everything to life, and the Parmesan adds that salty, cheesy goodness. Give it one last gentle toss.
Tips for Success with Your Tomato Basil Pasta
Want your pasta to be extra amazing? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years. First off, don’t skimp on the fresh basil! Dried just doesn’t give you that bright, vibrant pop. And use a good quality canned crushed tomato; it really makes a difference. Also, remember that trick with the pasta water? It’s a lifesaver for getting the sauce just right – not too thick, not too thin. It helps everything cling beautifully, kind of like how chimichurri clings to grilled meats!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sometimes you might be missing an ingredient or just want to mix things up, and that’s totally fine! If you can’t find fresh basil, you can use about a tablespoon of dried basil, but honestly, the fresh stuff just takes this dish to a whole other level. For the pasta, while I love spaghetti here, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or even a fun shape like farfalle – whatever you’ve got hiding in the pantry! And if you’re not a fan of crushed tomatoes, good quality diced tomatoes can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be a bit chunkier.
Serving Suggestions for Your Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta
This pasta is fantastic all on its own, but it’s even better with a few friends! I always love pairing it with a big, crispy green salad to add some freshness. And you absolutely cannot go wrong with some warm, crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce – maybe even some of my homemade cornbread if you’re feeling adventurous! For a heartier meal, adding some grilled chicken or shrimp is always a winner.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got extra pasta? Lucky you! Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should be good for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready for more, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it seems a bit dry. You can also zap it in the microwave, just stir it halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tomato Basil Pasta
Got questions? I’ve got answers! This pasta is so straightforward, but it’s always good to clear things up.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian. The only thing that makes it not vegan is the Parmesan cheese, but you can totally skip that or use a vegan Parmesan alternative if you like!
Can I add protein to this pasta dish?
Oh, for sure! If you want to make it a heartier meal, just toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some white beans with the pasta when you add it to the sauce. It’s a fantastic way to bulk it up!
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers are the best, right? Just pop them into an airtight container and they’ll keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, this is a rough estimate per serving! It can change depending on the exact pasta and ingredients you use. You’re looking at about 450 calories, 15g of fat, 15g of protein, and 65g of carbs. It’s pretty balanced for a delicious pasta dish!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, this is a rough estimate per serving! It can change depending on the exact pasta and ingredients you use. You’re looking at about 450 calories, 15g of fat, 15g of protein, and 65g of carbs. It’s pretty balanced for a delicious pasta dish!
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Flavorful Tomato Basil Pasta
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and easy pasta dish with vibrant tomato and basil flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine.
- Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: tomato basil pasta, easy pasta recipe, fresh pasta, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner