Easy Pasta With Tomato Basil Sauce

Name: Easy Pasta With Tomato Basil Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g penne pasta; Salt for boiling water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 ripe tomatoes, diced; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Quick Cooking Moments

I love whipping up this Easy Pasta With Tomato Basil Sauce when I need something quick and satisfying. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors always brighten my day, making it hard to believe it took less than 30 minutes to prepare. The simplicity of the ingredients really lets the tomato and basil shine, while you can customize the dish with your favorite pasta shape. Best of all, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy!

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2026-02-28T01:25:35.060Z

Creating the perfect tomato basil sauce is a labor of love, but I’ve learned that keeping it simple can yield incredible results. One day, I decided to ditch store-bought sauces and opted to use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead. This decision transformed my dish with vibrant flavors that made my taste buds dance. I found that lightly sautéing garlic before adding tomatoes allows for a delightful depth without overpowering the fresh herbs.

Each time I make this dish, I play around with the basil, adding more or less depending on my mood. Recently, I paired the pasta with a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano and a pinch of crushed red pepper, which elevated the dish even further. It’s amazing how a few fresh ingredients can come together for such a comforting meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh, aromatic basil brings a garden-fresh taste.
Quick and effortless preparation makes it a perfect weeknight meal.
Versatile base that pairs well with any pasta and additional toppings.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

300g penne pasta
Salt for boiling water

For the Tomato Basil Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 ripe tomatoes, diced
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Make sure to use fresh basil for the best flavor!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Basil

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious pasta with a side salad for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking. You can also substitute the fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes when fresh ones are out of season.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

While dried basil can work in a pinch, fresh basil offers a brighter and more fragrant flavor that really makes this dish special.

→ How can I make it vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep this dish vegan-friendly.

→ What other vegetables can I add to the sauce?

Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor.

→ Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your skillet is large enough to handle the increased volume or make it in batches.