This post contains affiliate links.
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
Follow me for more great recipes
Recipe
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
Follow Me
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 🙂