Indulge in a simple yet flavorful dish with this tomato basil pasta recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this recipe combines the freshness of cherry tomatoes and basil with the comforting taste of pasta. The aromatic garlic sautéed in olive oil adds a delightful depth of flavor, making this dish a family favorite.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in your pantry, you might need to pick up fresh basil and cherry tomatoes from the supermarket. Fresh basil adds a unique, aromatic flavor that dried basil simply can't match. Cherry tomatoes, with their sweet and tangy taste, are essential for this recipe, so make sure to grab a pint or two.
Ingredients For Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Pasta: The base of the dish, providing a hearty and satisfying texture.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and tomatoes, adding a rich, smooth flavor.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the dish.
Cherry tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes burst with flavor when cooked.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves provide a fragrant and slightly sweet flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When sautéing the garlic, make sure to keep a close eye on it. Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter and overpowering the dish. Aim for a light golden color before adding the cherry tomatoes. This will ensure the garlic infuses the olive oil with its rich flavor without becoming acrid.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Pasta - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that adds a fresh, light texture to the dish.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated, rich flavor that can add depth to the pasta.
Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can reduce the need for additional salt.
Black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and complexity to the dish.
Fresh basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley provides a bright, slightly peppery flavor that can complement the other ingredients.
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How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
- Transfer the tomato basil pasta to an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the dish.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The pasta will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. For best results, consume within this timeframe.
- If you plan to freeze the pasta, portion it into individual servings. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
- Place the portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the pasta has been stored.
- When ready to eat, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the texture.
- Reheat the pasta in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking and to revive the flavors.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of olive oil to the pan.
- Once the oil is heated, add the leftover Tomato Basil Pasta.
- Stir occasionally until the pasta is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a tablespoon of water or vegetable broth to moisten it.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the Tomato Basil Pasta to a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to keep it from drying out.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir the pasta and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Tomato Basil Pasta in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top before baking for a cheesy flavor.
Steaming Method:
- Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place a steamer basket over the pot.
- Add the Tomato Basil Pasta to the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
- Stir gently before serving to ensure even heating.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used to cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta once it's done.
Large pan: Needed to heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic, as well as to cook the cherry tomatoes.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the garlic, tomatoes, and pasta to ensure even cooking and mixing.
Chef's knife: Used to mince the garlic and chop the fresh basil.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the garlic and basil, and halving the cherry tomatoes.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the olive oil, salt, and pepper accurately.
Mixing bowl: Useful for holding the chopped basil and halved cherry tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-cook the pasta: Cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This way, you can quickly toss it into the pan when needed.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of mincing fresh cloves.
Halve tomatoes in bulk: Place cherry tomatoes between two lids and slice through them all at once to save time.
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the basil and measure out the olive oil, salt, and pepper before you start cooking.
One-pan method: Cook the tomatoes and garlic in the same pan you'll use for the pasta to reduce cleanup time.
Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
- Toss in cooked pasta and fresh basil. Mix well and serve.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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