Simple and Delicious Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta dish? This Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil recipe is perfect for those who love the classic combination of fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves. It’s quick to prepare, affordable, and packed with flavors that will make your meal time an absolute delight.

The cooking time for this pasta dish is approximately 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you want something fresh on the table without too much fuss. It serves four people comfortably, so it’s ideal for a light dinner with friends or family.

Ingredients

400g of pasta (spaghetti works well)
600g of ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
150ml of extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
A handful of fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, salt it liberally and add your pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing your sauce. In a large pan over medium heat, warm up 100ml of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute or until fragrant but not browned.

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, crushing them slightly with a wooden spoon as you do so. Stir in the remaining 50ml of olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer on low heat while you continue cooking your pasta.

After about 12-14 minutes, depending on how al dente you like your pasta, drain it well but keep a little bit of the starchy water from the boiling pot reserved. This will help thicken and flavor your sauce beautifully when added back in later.

Once your tomato mixture has been simmering for about 10 minutes (or until the tomatoes have broken down to create a slightly chunky yet smooth consistency), pour half of this sauce over your drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that every strand gets coated evenly with sauce.

Add in the remaining basil and toss again. If desired, you can add some reserved starchy water here as well to achieve your preferred thickness. Finally, taste-test and adjust seasoning if necessary – sometimes a little extra salt or pepper is all it takes to really bring out the flavors.

Before serving immediately, spoon the pasta into warm bowls and drizzle more olive oil over each portion. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds an excellent touch too!

Tips for Success

Use ripe tomatoes – nothing beats the flavor of fresh ingredients straight from your local market or even better, a homegrown garden.
Serve this pasta with additional Parmesan cheese if you wish. Alternatively, capers, olives, and red pepper flakes could be used to add more texture and piquant notes.
For extra creaminess without dairy, you can blend half of your tomatoes into a puree before mixing back in.

Cultural Significance

This dish draws from the rich culinary traditions of Italy where pasta plays such an important role. The simplicity yet depth of flavor reflects how Italian cuisine often prioritizes fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation methods to elevate everyday meals into something special.

From Neapolitan street food stands to grand family gatherings around expansive dining tables, this classic pasta dish has been loved by many generations across Italy. Whether enjoyed hot from the pan or cold as a summer salad, it remains a beloved choice among home cooks and professionals alike.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a mixed green salad for a balanced meal. A crisp side salad could include arugula leaves tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, alongside slices of juicy ripe tomatoes dressed similarly to the pasta sauce but more lightly seasoned.

Alternatively, if you're looking for something heartier, consider serving this pasta with grilled chicken breasts or marinated shrimp. Just ensure that these proteins are cooked thoroughly and do not overshadow the delicate flavors of your tomato basil pasta.

Chef's Tip: If you prefer to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the sauce separately and refrigerate it until just before serving. You might also find freezing portions of prepared pasta helpful for future meals.