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Quick Tomato Basil Pasta

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A simple, fresh, and flavorful pasta dish ready in just 18 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. It features ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil for a light and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced (about 2 cups/300 grams)
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional, a pinch
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts (4 liters) of water. Cook 8 ounces (225 g) of spaghetti according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Watch closely to avoid burning the garlic.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and let them simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes should soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  5. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the tomato sauce in the skillet. Toss well to combine. Stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick or dry.
  6. Turn off the heat and fold in the fresh chopped basil leaves. The residual heat will release the basil’s aroma without dulling its fresh flavor.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. A drizzle of olive oil on top is optional.

Notes

If tomatoes aren’t very juicy, add a splash of canned crushed tomatoes or a teaspoon of tomato paste to deepen the sauce. Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to pasta. Add basil off heat to preserve its fresh flavor. For vegan version, omit Parmesan or use plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pasta, tomato basil pasta, easy dinner, 18-minute recipe, weeknight dinner, simple pasta sauce, fresh basil pasta

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