Tomato Basil Pasta
A delicious and simple pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and aromatic garlic, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 2 pounds medium to large ripe tomatoes Heirloom tomatoes are preferred for best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin olive oil is recommended.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced Adjust according to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Add more for extra spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground preferred.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Adds depth to the sauce.
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini Choose your favorite type.
Garnish
- 1 cup basil leaves, larger ones torn Fresh basil is key for flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus more for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the bottom end off each tomato and grate them over a bowl to separate the flesh from the skins. Discard the skins.
Cooking the Sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add grated tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Stir and let simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Combining
- Drain the pasta and reserve half a cup of pasta cooking water.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with sauce, pour in the reserved pasta water, and toss for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat.
Finishing Touches
- Remove from heat, stir in torn basil leaves and grated Parmesan until combined.
Serving
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with more Parmesan, and enjoy!
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. This dish is versatile; you can customize it with vegetables or proteins.