Description
Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of al dente pasta, sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a vibrant and aromatic meal. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and optional Parmesan cheese, this recipe is simple yet delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 200g pasta of choice
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain well and set aside to be added later.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release some of their juices.
- Toss pasta and basil: Add the cooked pasta and chopped basil leaves to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated with the tomato mixture and the basil is evenly distributed.
- Season: Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you like; spaghetti or penne works well with this recipe.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- Fresh basil is key to the bright flavor; avoid dried basil if possible.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes.
- If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: tomato basil pasta, quick pasta recipe, fresh tomato pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner
