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Juicy ripe tomatoes, sweet basil, garlic and fresh parmesan cheese make up this deliciously simple Tomato Basil Pasta recipe. It's light and fresh and on the table in 20 minutes!
I love using delicious garden tomatoes in simple recipes like this one, and my Tomato Pie , Caprese Salad, or Tomato Cucumber Salad.
Why I love this pasta:
- Fresh – This pasta is full of the freshest Summer ingredients and it doesn't make you feel weighed down! Another favorite lighter summer pasta dish is my Lemon Chicken Pasta!
- Quick – This is faster than take-out (and tastes a lot better too) at only 20 minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight. I was originally inspired to make this from my love of the old Capellini Pomodoro pasta from Olive Garden.
- Family Favorite – You just can't beat the perfect combination of pasta with tomatoes, basil, and parmesan cheese. This simple meal is loved by all!
How to make Tomato Basil Pasta:
Cook Pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil. Once hot, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, careful not to burn it.
Finish Sauce: Add freshly diced tomatoes and cook, stirring, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add fresh ground black pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese. Add fresh chopped basil. In Italian-inspired pasta recipes we use sweet basil (commonly found at the grocery store).
Serve simple sauce over cooked pasta. Garnish with remaining parmesan cheese. I love to serve with Easy Homemade Breadsticks or Garlic Knots on the side.
Variations:
- Veggies: Try adding chopped spinach, onion, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Chicken: Add chicken to make it heartier, and add extra protein. Sauté the chicken in oil, first, (season with salt and pepper), then add garlic and continue with the recipe.
- Pasta: Use whole wheat spaghetti, or any other type of pasta.
More 30 Minute Meals:
- The BEST Black Bean Burger
- Gallo Pinto
- Thai Basil Chicken
- Air Fryer Meatballs
- Walking Tacos
- Pesto Pasta Salad
- Shrimp Creole
- Easy Beef Stroganoff
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Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, , minced
- 2 pounds Roma tomatoes, , diced, or cherry tomatoes, halved
- freshly ground black pepper, , to taste
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, , chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, , divided
- 1-2 chicken breasts, , optional. See note
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil. Once hot, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, careful not to burn it.
- Add freshly diced tomatoes and cook, stirring, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add fresh ground black pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with 2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese. Add fresh chopped basil.
- Serve mixture over hot cooked spaghetti noodles.
- Garnish with remaining parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I originally shared this recipe August 2015. Updated August 2020 and June 2022.
This is awesome. I had to use canned whole tomatoes and used onion powder instead of onion. I multiplied this because I added chicken, zucchini, baby spinach, and squash. It was great, the whole family loved it.
i like it
Great recipe! So simple and very tasty. My husband told me I needed to write a review. I didn’t have enough fresh tomatoes, so I used what I had and added scan (drained) of diced tomatoes. I will make this again!
Just made this its a little bland/needs a little more seasoning. I added more parmesan cheese and a touch of butter which helped. I think lemon juice would be good with it or a touch of balsamic vinegar.
Absolutely delicious for dinner last night!
Thank you so much I recommend this dish highly
JaeJanet
Simple and yummy!
I made this last night and it is delicious! Just wondering what is considered one serving for the nutritional information? Is that 2 prepared chicken breasts?
So happy you liked it! I would think 1 chicken breast per serving. You could try myfitnesspal.com to calculate the nutritinal info 🙂