Tomato Basil Pasta

Name: Tomato Basil Pasta
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 100g spaghetti; 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 5 fresh basil leaves, chopped; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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20 minTotal time

EasyDifficulty

350kcal / serving

Ingredients

For 1 serving

servings

Ingredient substitutions

Spaghetti Linguine or another long pasta, using the same amount.
Fresh basil Fresh flat-leaf parsley, using the same amount for a different but fresh herbal flavor.
Parmesan Pecorino Romano, finely grated, for a similarly savory hard-cheese topping.

Nutrition per serving

Estimated values for 1 serving, 350 kcal

Protein12 g

Carbohydrates58 g

Fat8 g

Fiber 5 g · Sugar 7 g · Sodium 450 mg

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A fresh and vibrant pasta dish featuring juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes.

Main Dish

Steps

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Toss the cooked spaghetti into the pan with tomatoes.
Add chopped basil and mix well to combine.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Tomato Basil Pasta

Look for glossy noodles with tomatoes clinging to them; a watery pool in the pan suggests the tomatoes released more juice than expected.
Keep an eye on the garlic: it should smell fragrant, not turn dark, which can make its flavor bitter.
Have the basil and optional Parmesan ready before serving; basil can darken and lose its fresh aroma if left sitting in the hot pan.

Drink pairing

A crisp, dry rosé
Its fresh acidity complements the ripe tomatoes and basil without overwhelming this light pasta.

0% option: Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a covered container and use within 3–4 days. Reheat until steaming hot; the pasta may soften as it sits.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell when the tomatoes are ready?

They should look softened and juicy but still hold some shape, rather than collapsing into a smooth sauce.

Can I make this ahead?

It is best freshly made, since the basil is most aromatic then. You can dice the tomatoes and mince the garlic shortly ahead, keeping them covered in the refrigerator.