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To make Quick Tomato Basil Pasta, you need: - 8 oz spaghetti - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) These ingredients come together to create a simple yet tasty dish. The cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, and the basil adds freshness. You can make this dish your own with a few extra ingredients: - Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein - A splash of lemon juice for brightness - Other herbs like parsley or oregano - Spinach or arugula for added greens Feel free to mix and match these options based on what you like or have at home. When selecting tomatoes, look for these signs: - Firmness: Choose tomatoes that feel firm but give slightly when pressed. - Color: Go for bright red or yellow tomatoes. Avoid any with dark spots. - Aroma: A sweet smell indicates ripeness. For basil, check for: - Freshness: Leaves should be bright green and not wilted. - Aroma: Fresh basil has a strong, sweet scent. These tips will help you get the best ingredients for your pasta. Fresh tomatoes and basil elevate your dish, making it even more delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite it. Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Now, let's make the sauce. Take a large skillet and heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell nice but not brown. Next, toss in 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then. The tomatoes will soften and let out their juices. If you like some heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything well to mix the pasta with the tomato sauce. If the pasta looks dry, splash in some reserved pasta water until it feels right. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves. Cook for another minute until the basil wilts. Serve your pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if you want. Enjoy your Quick Tomato Basil Pasta! To get the best flavor in your Quick Tomato Basil Pasta, use fresh ingredients. Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes make a big difference. Choose tomatoes that feel firm and smell sweet. When you sauté garlic, do not let it brown. Browned garlic can taste bitter. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes slowly. You can always add more, but you cannot take it out. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Always follow the package instructions for timing. You want the pasta to be al dente, meaning firm to the bite. Another mistake is not seasoning the dish properly. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Lastly, don’t skip the pasta water. It helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Here are some tools that can help you cook this dish well: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Skillet for sautéing - Wooden spoon for stirring - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board for chopping These tools make the cooking process easier and more fun. Enjoy your time in the kitchen! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes will elevate the flavor of your pasta dish significantly. Look for vibrant, fragrant basil and firm, juicy tomatoes for the best results. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the spaghetti until it's al dente will ensure it retains a lovely bite and texture when mixed with the sauce. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook slightly after being drained. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water can be a game changer for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Add it a little at a time until you reach your desired thickness. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize this dish by adding ingredients like olives, capers, or even protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it your own. {{image_2}} You can easily boost this dish with protein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work well. For chicken, grill or sauté bite-sized pieces until cooked. Toss them in with the pasta and sauce. Shrimp cooks fast. Sauté them for just a few minutes until pink, then mix in. Tofu is a great vegan choice. Press the tofu to remove water, then cube and sauté it until golden. Add any of these proteins for a filling meal. If you need gluten-free pasta, use rice or corn-based spaghetti. These options taste great and work well with the sauce. To make it vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, you can enjoy the dish while meeting dietary needs. Adding cheese can take this dish to the next level. Grated Parmesan adds a salty, rich taste. If you want more flavor, try adding feta or goat cheese. Fresh herbs also brighten up the dish. Along with basil, try parsley or oregano for extra depth. These changes let you create a quick and tasty meal every time. After enjoying your Quick Tomato Basil Pasta, store leftovers right away. Let the pasta cool down for a few minutes. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. To reheat your pasta, use a skillet for the best flavor. Add a splash of olive oil or water. Heat it over medium-low heat. Stir it gently until warm. This keeps the pasta from getting too dry. You can also use a microwave. Place the pasta in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Check it often to avoid overheating. If you want to freeze pasta, make it a bit saucy. This keeps the texture nice when thawed. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Seal it well to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently, just like before. Enjoy your meal without any hassle! Yes, you can use dried basil. Use one teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh. Dried basil has a stronger flavor, so adjust to your taste. Fresh basil offers a brighter taste, while dried basil works well when fresh is unavailable. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to cook spaghetti until al dente. Check the package for exact times. Al dente means the pasta is firm but not hard. This gives the best texture for your dish. You can use Pecorino Romano cheese as a great substitute for Parmesan. It has a similar taste but is saltier. Nutritional yeast is a good option for a dairy-free choice. It adds a cheesy flavor without the milk. This article covered making Quick Tomato Basil Pasta. You learned about key ingredients, easy steps, and tips for the best flavor. Remember, fresh tomatoes and basil make a big difference. You can also play with proteins or go vegan. Storing and reheating leftovers is simple, too. With these tips, you can enjoy a tasty meal every time. Get creative in the kitchen and make this dish your own!

Quick Tomato Basil Pasta

A simple and delicious pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes and basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
  • If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the tomato mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Stir in the fresh basil and cook for another minute until just wilted.
  • Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Keyword basil, easy, pasta, quick, tomato