Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Basil
This Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Basil is a quick, easy, and vibrant dish bursting with fresh flavors and perfect for any meal!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work beautifully
- 4 large ripe tomatoes chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Prepare the Fresh Tomato Sauce
- While the pasta cooks, chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a mixing bowl along with the minced garlic, chopped basil, and olive oil. Stir to combine everything evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the bowl with your fresh tomato sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta in the vibrant sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a silky texture.
Serve and Garnish
- Divide the pasta into bowls or plates. If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of flavor. Add a few fresh basil leaves for garnish, and a drizzle of olive oil for shine. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
Notes
- Use the ripest tomatoes you can find for the best natural sweetness and acidity.
- Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles and achieve a silky texture.
- Chop the basil just before mixing to keep its fresh, bright flavor.
- For a smoother sauce, gently crush the tomatoes with a fork before combining.
- Salt your pasta water generously to season the pasta from within.
