Italian Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta
Italian fresh tomato basil pasta is a light, classic dish made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. It’s quick, fresh, and full of authentic Italian flavor—perfect for summer dinners or easy weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti, linguine, or penne
- 4 fresh ripe tomatoes, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and juicy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
- Serve immediately with Parmesan or vegan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Cherry tomatoes can be used for a sweeter flavor.
- Add mozzarella pearls for a caprese-style twist.
- Olives, capers, zucchini, or eggplant make great mix-ins.
- Top with toasted pine nuts for crunch.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep up to 3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/italian-fresh-tomato-basil-pasta/
