Simple & Delicious Tomato Basil Pasta

There’s a special kind of magic in a dish that uses just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients to create something truly spectacular. This Tomato Basil Pasta is a perfect example of that philosophy. It’s a classic Italian-inspired meal that’s both wonderfully simple to prepare and bursting with the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil. It’s the perfect comforting dish for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend lunch.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, carefully reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Create the Sauce: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and break down, forming a beautiful, chunky sauce. Use the back of your spoon to gently press on them to help them along.
4. Combine: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together vigorously over medium heat for about a minute until the sauce thickens slightly and clings beautifully to every strand of pasta.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra basil leaves for garnish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Note: The following is an estimate for one serving (recipe makes approximately 4 servings).