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- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted) - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) To start, gather your ingredients. This list keeps things simple. You can use spaghetti or any pasta you like best. Olive oil and garlic add great flavor. Diced tomatoes bring the dish together. I love using fire-roasted tomatoes for extra taste. Sugar, salt, and pepper balance the flavors. Fresh basil adds a nice touch. If you want heat, red pepper flakes work well. Lastly, don't forget the Parmesan cheese if you enjoy it on top! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. This step enhances the flavor of the pasta. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add your spaghetti or favorite pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. While the pasta cooks, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water will help adjust the sauce later. Once the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander, but keep that reserved water close. In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant, but not browned. Next, stir in a can of diced tomatoes with their juices. This is where the magic begins! Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like heat, toss in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. This allows it to thicken slightly. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add your drained pasta to the pot with the tomato sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly. If the sauce looks too thick, pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help create a smoother sauce. Once the pasta is well mixed with the sauce, remove it from the heat. Fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. This adds a burst of flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now, your Quick Tomato Basil Pasta is ready to serve! To cook perfect pasta, aim for al dente. This means the pasta should be firm when bitten. Cooking it too long makes it mushy. Follow the package instructions for timing. Taste a piece a minute or so before the time is up. This way, you can catch it at just the right moment. Seasoning is key to a great dish. Always add salt to boiling water. This enhances the pasta's flavor. After draining, save some pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce later. If your sauce feels too thick, a splash of this water can make it just right. Fresh herbs are a game changer. They add bright flavors to your meal. Chop some fresh basil just before serving. This keeps it fragrant and green. You can also add more herbs like parsley or oregano for a twist. When serving, think about presentation. A simple sprig of basil on top looks beautiful. A light drizzle of olive oil adds shine. Use a nice bowl to serve the pasta. This makes the meal feel special. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh tomatoes and basil for an enhanced flavor and aroma in your pasta dish. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, skip the red pepper flakes. For a spicier kick, feel free to add more to taste. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water; it helps to adjust the sauce consistency without thinning the flavor. Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like Pecorino Romano or a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist on your pasta. {{image_2}} You can change this dish by using different pasta types. Try penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Each option brings a unique twist. Just remember to cook it al dente, as you would with spaghetti. Adding vegetables or protein can make this meal more filling. Consider tossing in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These choices add color and nutrients. You can also include cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein. This way, you can enjoy a balanced meal. Experimenting with spices and herbs can elevate your dish. Besides fresh basil, try adding oregano, thyme, or parsley for added depth. A pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning can also boost the flavor. If you want to change the cheese, consider alternatives. Feta or goat cheese adds a tangy taste. You could also use mozzarella for a creamier texture. These variations allow you to customize your pasta to suit your taste. To keep your Quick Tomato Basil Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Always let the pasta cool before sealing it. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Frozen pasta can last for about three months, but the texture may change a bit. When it comes to reheating your pasta, the stovetop is the best method. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help it heat evenly. Stir gently to avoid sticking. If you use the microwave, add a little water and cover the dish to keep moisture in. This prevents the pasta from drying out. Always check the temperature before serving to ensure it's heated through. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. In total, you will spend around 30 minutes on this dish. This means you can enjoy a fresh meal in no time. The quick cook time makes it perfect for busy days. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! If you choose this option, use about 4-5 medium tomatoes. First, chop them and remove the seeds. This will help reduce excess moisture in the sauce. Fresh tomatoes will add a bright flavor to your pasta. Just remember to cook them a bit longer to soften up. You can pair this pasta with a simple side salad. A green salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is also a great choice for soaking up the sauce. For a protein boost, serve grilled chicken or shrimp on the side. Enjoy your meal with a glass of white wine for a delightful touch! In this article, we explored the simple ingredients and steps to make Quick Tomato Basil Pasta. You learned how to cook pasta perfectly and create a tasty sauce. Tips like using fresh herbs and various add-ins can boost flavor. Storing and reheating pasta can be easy with the right tricks. Remember, experimentation makes your dish unique. Enjoy making this meal your own, and share it with others for a delicious experience!

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 or your favorite pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • for serving Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, and add sugar, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of spice, add the red pepper flakes at this point. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the tomato sauce. Toss to coat the spaghetti, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
  • Remove from heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil until well combined. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately, dividing the pasta into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh basil and a light drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.
Keyword basil, easy, pasta, quick, tomato