tomato and basil pasta recipe

tomato and basil pasta recipe

The Best tomato and basil pasta recipe

I’m so excited to share this simple yet flavorful tomato and basil pasta recipe with you all. As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for quick and delicious meal ideas that my whole family will enjoy.

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients, making it a great option for those new to cooking or looking for a low-maintenance meal solution. I’ve been making this recipe since I first started cooking, and it never fails to impress.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this dish is always a hit with them. In fact, my youngest son has been known to request it for his birthday dinner every year!

The combination of fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy Parmesan cheese is absolute perfection. And let’s not forget the health benefits – this recipe is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the tomatoes and basil.

It’s also relatively low in calories and fat compared to other pasta dishes, making it a guilt-free option for us all. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and see why it’s become a favorite in our household.

Tomato and Basil Pasta

Tomato and Basil Pasta

4.7 from 1136 votes

A classic Italian dish featuring homemade pasta and a rich tomato and basil sauce. This recipe serves four people and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 egg
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup water

For the Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2Make a well in the center and add the egg, olive oil, and water.
3Mix until a dough forms.
4Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
6While the dough is resting, prepare the sauce.
7In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
8Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
9Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
10Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
11Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
Set aside.
12After the dough has rested, divide it into four equal pieces.
13Using a pasta maker or rolling pin, roll out each piece until thin, about 1/8 inch thick.
14Cut the dough into your desired pasta shape, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
15Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
16Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.
17In a large pan, combine the cooked pasta and tomato-basil sauce.
18Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
19If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
20Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Pasta maker or rolling pin
Large pot
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to taste.

Watch Video Of How Tomato and Basil Pasta Works

This tomato and basil pasta recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients.

To store leftovers, simply let them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them for later use. When reheating leftover pasta dishes like this one, be sure to add some extra olive oil to prevent drying out – especially if you’re reheating after several days have passed since initial preparation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato and Basil Pasta

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use a high-quality, dry pasta such as spaghetti or linguine. Avoid using long, thin noodles like angel hair or capellini as they may become overcooked during the brief cooking time.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in place of canned ones. However, keep in mind that fresh tomatoes will add more moisture to the dish than canned tomatoes do. You may need to adjust the amount of olive oil used in the recipe accordingly.

Q: How much basil should I use?

A: The amount of basil you use is up to personal preference. If you’re not a big fan of strong herbs like basil, start with just one tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves and adjust to taste.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While you can cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, we recommend assembling the dish just before serving for optimal flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

A: While Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness to this dish, you can substitute it with another hard cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago if needed.

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