Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes
When the garden starts producing more cherry tomatoes than I know what to do with, this tomato basil pasta is our go to recipe. Fresh cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and parmesan come together with spaghetti for a simple meal that tastes fresh without spending hours in the kitchen.
Best of all, this fresh tomato basil pasta takes only about 25 minutes from start to finish. Therefore, it makes an excellent choice for a busy weeknight when you want a homemade dinner without a complicated recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Pasta
First, this recipe keeps things simple. You don’t need a jar of pasta sauce or a long list of ingredients. Instead, you can turn fresh garden produce into a light, flavorful sauce right in your skillet.
Additionally, the cherry tomatoes bring natural sweetness and plenty of fresh tomato flavor. As they cook, the tomatoes soften and burst, releasing their juices into the olive oil and garlic. Those simple ingredients create a delicious sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Fresh basil adds a bright, fragrant finish, while freshly shredded parmesan provides a savory, salty flavor that brings the entire dish together.
Most importantly, tomato basil pasta is an easy way to use fresh cherry tomatoes from your garden. If your plants are producing heavily during the summer, keep this recipe handy!
A Great Way to Use Garden Cherry Tomatoes
Growing cherry tomatoes can be incredibly rewarding. However, once the plants really start producing, you may find yourself with bowls of tomatoes sitting on your kitchen counter.
This is a perfect way to enjoy your bountiful harvest!
This pasta recipe lets those fresh tomatoes do most of the work. Simply heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet, add minced garlic, and then add the cherry tomatoes. As the tomatoes cook, their skins begin to soften. Eventually, many of them burst, releasing their juices and creating a light tomato sauce.
Because you cook the tomatoes quickly, they retain much of their fresh flavor. In addition, the short cooking time keeps this meal lighter than a traditional pasta dish made with a heavier sauce.
If you don’t grow your own tomatoes, don’t worry. Store-bought cherry tomatoes work too. Choose ripe tomatoes that feel firm but juicy for the best results.
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Pasta
You only need a handful of fresh ingredients to make this easy tomato basil pasta.
Spaghetti or Angel Hair
Use a 16-ounce package of organic spaghetti or angel hair pasta. Spaghetti provides a little more structure, while angel hair cooks quickly and creates a delicate texture.
Cherry Tomatoes
Two pints of cherry tomatoes provide the main flavor for this recipe. You can use red cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or a combination of colorful varieties from your garden.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil brings a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the tomatoes and garlic beautifully. Tear or roughly chop the leaves just before adding them to the pasta.
Garlic
Four cloves of fresh minced garlic add plenty of savory flavor. Since garlic cooks quickly, keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil creates the base for the light tomato sauce. It also helps carry the flavors of the garlic, tomatoes, and basil throughout the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly shredded Parmesan adds a savory finish. For the best texture and flavor, shred it yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
Besides tasting delicious, this recipe brings several nutritious ingredients to the table.
Cherry tomatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. They also provide lycopene, a naturally occurring antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color. Cooking tomatoes can also make lycopene easier for the body to absorb.
Fresh basil contributes vitamin K along with small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and other nutrients. Furthermore, basil contains plant compounds with antioxidant properties.
Garlic contains sulfur-containing compounds that have been studied for their potential cardiovascular and immune-supporting benefits. Garlic also adds substantial flavor without requiring a large amount of salt.
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fat and antioxidant compounds. Replacing some sources of saturated fat with unsaturated fats can support a heart-healthy eating pattern.
Parmesan cheese supplies protein and calcium. Since Parmesan has a strong flavor, a relatively small amount can add plenty of savory taste to the finished pasta.
How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta
The best part of this recipe is how quickly everything comes together.
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or angel hair according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining the pasta, you may want to reserve a little pasta water. The starchy water can help loosen the sauce if needed.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Heat the Olive Oil
Meanwhile, place a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil and allow it to warm.
A large skillet gives the tomatoes plenty of room to cook evenly.
3. Cook the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the warm olive oil. Sauté the garlic for about one minute.
Don’t let the garlic become dark brown. Instead, cook it just until it becomes fragrant. This short step infuses the olive oil with plenty of garlic flavor.
4. Add the Cherry Tomatoes
Next, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
Sauté the tomatoes for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. As they heat, their skins will soften and some tomatoes will burst. Their juices will combine with the garlic and olive oil, creating a light and flavorful sauce.
If your tomatoes haven’t burst after five minutes, gently press a few with the back of a wooden spoon. Be careful because hot tomato juice can splatter.
5. Add the Pasta
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss everything together so the tomato juices and garlic-infused olive oil coat the pasta.
If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water and toss again.
6. Add the Fresh Basil
Remove the skillet from the heat. Then add the fresh basil and toss it through the pasta.
Adding basil after cooking helps preserve its fresh flavor and fragrant aroma.
7. Finish With Parmesan
Finally, serve the pasta immediately with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.
For an extra-fresh presentation, add a few small basil leaves and additional cherry tomatoes to each serving.
Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Pasta
Use ripe tomatoes. Since tomatoes provide most of the flavor, choose ripe, flavorful cherry tomatoes whenever possible.
Don’t overcook the garlic. Garlic can turn bitter when it burns, so keep the heat around medium and cook it briefly.
Cook the pasta al dente. Firm pasta holds up better when you toss it with the tomato mixture.
Use fresh basil. Dried basil won’t provide the same fresh flavor or aroma in this particular recipe.
Shred your Parmesan. Freshly shredded Parmesan melts and distributes more easily over hot pasta.
Reserve pasta water. Even though this recipe creates a light sauce from the tomatoes and olive oil, a splash of pasta water can help everything come together.
Serve it right away. This pasta tastes best while the tomatoes are warm and the basil remains fresh.
What to Serve with Tomato Basil Pasta
Because this pasta creates a light meal, you can easily add a simple side dish if you’re feeding a hungry family.
A crisp green salad makes an easy addition. Likewise, homemade garlic bread or crusty Italian bread can help round out the meal.
For extra vegetables, serve the pasta with roasted zucchini, green beans, or a simple garden salad. Since the recipe already uses fresh tomatoes and basil, it works especially well with other seasonal garden produce.
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely. Cherry tomatoes work particularly well because they cook quickly and release plenty of juice. However, you can also use grape tomatoes or other small, ripe tomatoes.
If you have larger garden tomatoes, chop them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the skillet. Keep in mind that larger tomatoes may release more liquid, so you may need to cook them slightly longer.
Can I Make This Pasta Ahead of Time?
This recipe tastes best immediately after preparation. However, you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them gently.
As the pasta sits, it will absorb some of the tomato juices. Therefore, add a small splash of water or olive oil when reheating to loosen the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use angel hair instead of spaghetti?
Yes. Angel hair works very well in this recipe because it cooks quickly and has a delicate texture. Just make sure you don’t overcook it.
Do I need to peel the cherry tomatoes?
No. You can cook cherry tomatoes with their skins intact. As they cook, the skins soften and the tomatoes begin to burst.
Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil gives this recipe the best flavor. However, you can use dried basil if fresh basil isn’t available. Since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, start with a smaller amount.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes. You can add vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. However, keep the tomato and basil flavors at the center of the dish.
Is tomato basil pasta vegetarian?
As written, this recipe is vegetarian as long as you use parmesan that fits your dietary preferences. Check the cheese label if you follow a strict vegetarian diet.
How do I store leftover tomato basil pasta?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. For the best quality, enjoy them within a few days and reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Enjoy Fresh Garden Flavor in Just 25 Minutes- Tomato Basil Pasta!
Ultimately, this easy tomato basil pasta recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make a satisfying homemade dinner. Fresh cherry tomatoes, garden basil, garlic, olive oil, pasta, and Parmesan create a meal with plenty of flavor in a surprisingly short amount of time.
So, when your garden starts filling with ripe cherry tomatoes, grab a couple of pints and make this simple pasta. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a fresh, light dinner that puts your garden harvest right in the center of the plate.
More Ways to Use Cherry Tomatoes
Drunken Tomatoes
Pickled Green Cherry Tomatoes
Tomato Basil Pasta
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Ingredients
- 16 oz package Organic Spaghetti or Angel hair
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 pints Cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to package instructions for al dente.
- In a large cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes or until the burst.
- Toss the drained pasta into the skillet to coat the pasta with sauce.
- Add the basil leaves and toss to coat the pasta.
- Remove from the heat.
- Serve immediately with freshly shredded parmesan cheese on top.
Nutrition
