How to Make a Perfect Tomato Basil Pasta

Tomato basil pasta is one of those classic dishes that never go out of style. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for any casual dinner party or family meal. Here’s how you can prepare this dish at home.

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
3 medium-sized tomatoes, diced finely
2 cups fresh basil leaves, chopped roughly
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Boil water in a large pot. Add salt for flavoring.
Add pasta into the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve some cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
In a separate pan over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onions along with minced garlic until translucent. This process should take about 5 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes to the mixture in the pan and let them simmer for another 10 minutes. The tomatoes will break down into a smooth sauce as they cook, enhancing both flavor and consistency.
Once pasta is cooked al dente, combine it with your tomato basil mixture. Mix everything together using tongs or a large wooden spoon to ensure that each strand of pasta gets well-coated in the sauce.
Transfer the pasta back into the pot if necessary and add reserved cooking water gradually while tossing until desired consistency is achieved. The addition of some cheese can enhance this dish further, but it's optional as many love the simplicity of this classic recipe without any extra additions.

Cooking Time & Serving Size

This tomato basil pasta dish takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It serves 4-6 people generously depending on how much pasta is used per person. Adjust the portion size according to your group's appetite.

Tips for a Perfect Tomato Basil Pasta

Use fresh tomatoes if possible; they provide a more vibrant flavor compared to canned ones.
The secret ingredient here lies in balancing the acidity from the tomato with the creaminess of basil. Freshness is key, so try not to use dried herbs for this recipe as it won't capture the freshness needed for this dish.
For extra texture, add some grilled chicken or shrimp alongside your pasta once you mix it into the sauce.

Cooking tomato basil pasta at home is a delightful way to enjoy simple yet satisfying cuisine. Whether served with fresh bread on the side or enjoyed alone, this dish offers an array of flavors that everyone can appreciate. You may even experiment with different types of pasta to find your favorite texture and flavor combination.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Enjoy your homemade tomato basil pasta, and feel free to share any variations you might try on social media using the hashtag #TomatoBasilPastaLove. Bon Appétit!

Note: For a slightly lighter option, consider adding some steamed spinach or broccoli to this dish for extra vegetables.