Tomato Basil Pasta

Name: Tomato Basil Pasta - 15 Minute Recipe!
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb linguine; 14 ounces cherry tomatoes; ¼ cup chopped (fresh basil); 2 Tablespoons chopped (fresh marjoram leaves); ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 large garlic cloves (minced); 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.

Recipe Cost $12.05

Recipe Serving Cost $2.01

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This Tomato Basil Pasta recipe is great for busy weeknights. The heat from the pasta warms the rest of the dish. 15 minutes is all you need, folks. Now, who doesn’t love that?!

This tomato and basil pasta recipe serves six and costs about $12.05 to make. That’s just $2.01 per serving.

Try this 15-Minute Citrus Cream Pasta, my Pantry Chicken Taco Soup, and this Baked Salmon with Lemon Sauce for quick and easy dinner ideas.

An overhead picture of the finished Tomato Basil Pasta on a grey plate and in a serving bowl.

I have a great family favorite recipe for you today! I have been making this tomato basil pasta for over 15 years now.

This is the best recipe to make when you have fresh tomatoes and basil coming out of your ears during the summer! Tomato basil pasta is one of those recipes that you will want to add to your monthly rotation.

The juicy cherry tomatoes combine with the olive oil and fresh basil to make a delicious no-cook sauce that coats the linguine noodles. The heat from the pasta warms the tomato mixture just enough to brighten all of the flavors and make them completely delicious.

I’ve made this tomato basil pasta for…

busy weeknight dinners
dinner parties
meals for friends after having babies

Basically, it’s an anytime dinner recipe! However, if you’re looking for another 15-minute dinner recipe, then you must try my 15-Minute Citrus Cream Pasta!

A bowl full of the finished Tomato Basil Pasta.

Ingredients and Cost

Per Serving Cost: $2.01

Recipe Cost: $12.05

1 lb linguine or spaghetti – $1.28
14 ounces cherry tomatoes – $3.99
¼ cup chopped fresh basil – $3.98
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram leaves – $0.98
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil – $0.58
2 large garlic cloves minced – $0.10
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar – $0.13
Salt and pepper to taste – $0.02
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – $0.99

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.

Instructions

First, cook the pasta until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, cut the tomatoes in half.
Then, squeeze the tomatoes into a bowl until slightly mashed.
Next, add the herbs, olive oil, garlic, and vinegar to the same bow.
Then, season the tomato mixture with salt and pepper and stir it in.
Then, drain the pasta and pour it into the tomato mixture.
Finally, add the parmesan and toss to combine. Now you are ready to serve your tomato basil pasta!

***For complete recipe instructions and a recipe video, see the recipe card below.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe calls for cherry tomatoes, you can use grape tomatoes or any tomatoes growing in your garden. You want to chop them into roughly ½-inch pieces.
If you don’t have fresh marjoram or can’t find it, you can use ½ teaspoon for dried marjoram. Alternately, you can use 1 Tablespoon fresh chopped oregano.
Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano.
Sometimes I add ½-1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture for an extra flavor kick.

Storage Tips

SERVE: You can keep the tomato basil pasta out for about 2 hours before it needs to be covered and refrigerated.

STORE: Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 days.

FREEZE: Place the pasta in an airtight container and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw the pasta overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave until warm.

Cook’s Tools:

Pasta Pot
Colander
Large Mixing Bowl
Grater/Zester

A fork picking up some of the finished Tomato Basil Pasta recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Can you put basil in pasta?

Yes! Just add it in towards the end of your cooking. Putting it in a few minutes before turning your stove off will cook perfectly with your pasta.

What can I do with lots of fresh tomatoes?

There are so many things to do with tomatoes. You can make tomato basil pasta (obviously!), Honey Lime Chipotle Salsa, add them to your salad, eat them plain, throw them on a sandwich, make a Goat Cheese Tomato Tart, or Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad.

Cook’s Note – Tomato Basil Pasta:

If you’re making this recipe for a dinner party, try using a vegetable peeler to make beautiful shards of Parmesan instead of grating it. This will make the dish a little fancier.
Grab the kids when making this recipe. They’ll love helping you squeeze the cut cherry tomatoes!
If you serve this alone, then it will serve 4 adults. If you serve it with some nice crusty bread and salad, then it will serve 6.
Feel free to add sliced, grilled chicken or shrimp to this pasta recipe.

The finished pasta on a grey plate with bread in the background.

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