This Tomato Basil Pasta recipe is great for busy weeknights. Once the pasta is cooked, dinner is DONE! 15 minutes is all that you need, folks. Now, who doesn’t love that?!
I have a great recipe for you today! It is a family favorite recipe. I have been making this tomato basil pasta for over 15 years now. Our summer garden is mostly done except for our tomato plant. It is still going strong and producing tomatoes like crazy. What am I supposed to do with all of these tomatoes? No one told me this little plant was going to grow and produce so much. I mean, I can only eat so many salads (ha)! So, I have been trying to creatively use the tomatoes in my recipes without cooking the same thing over and over. This tomato basil pasta recipe is the perfect solution!
Tomato basil pasta is one of those recipes that you will want to add into your monthly rotation. You and your kids will love it. With summer quickly coming to an end that means school nights are going to be busy. This recipe only takes 15 minutes and tastes delicious. No brainer, right? Easy, quick meal that isn’t cereal, coming right up! Don’t get me wrong, I love our occasional cereal for dinner nights, but this meal is so big on taste and little on effort, you will definitely want to make it again and again.
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! If you’re looking for another 15-minute dinner recipe then you must try my 15-Minute Citrus Cream Pasta! This 15-minute Cheesy Sausage Broccoli Skillet is the perfect comfort food for the middle of the week, and this Flatbread Pizza is good for even the pickiest of eaters!
Can you put basil in pasta?
Yes! Just add it in towards the end of your cooking. If you put it in a few minutes before you turn your stove off it will cook perfectly with your pasta.
What to do with fresh tomatoes?
There are so many things to do with tomatoes. You can make tomato basil pasta (obviously!), Honey Lime Chipotle Salsa, add them in your salad, eat them plain, throw them on a sandwich, make my Goat Cheese Tomato Tart, put them in a delicious BLT.
How do you make Tomato Basil Pasta?
- 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!
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.
Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links.
Cook’s Tools:
Tomato Basil Pasta - a 15 Minute Recipe!
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
Instructions
- Cook pasta, as per package instructions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, cut tomatoes in half. Squeeze tomatoes into a large bowl until slightly mashed. Add herbs, olive oil, garlic and vinegar to the same bowl. Season tomato mixture to taste with salt and pepper, and give everything a quick stir.
- Drain pasta and pour into tomato mixture. Add Parmesan and toss to combine. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan.
Nutrition
Citrus Cream Pasta – a 15 Minute recipe!
Beth
This is perfect for busy weekdays or when you forget you have to bring a tasty dish to a pot luck – ya, that never happens 😉
Dayna
I LOVE this tomato basil pasta! My fave!
Ashley
This recipe is great for when I don’t know what else to cook for dinner. Easy and delicious. Will make it again!
Beth Neels
I have about half a ton of tomatoes in the garden now! I can’t wait to try your easy recipe! Looks perfect!
Jillian
I hope you enjoy!
Sara Welch
What an amazing recipe! A restaurant worthy dish, indeed!
Taylor
You can’t beat a 15 minute cheesy pasta dish! So yummy!
Jeanne @ Cooksister
It’s always a challenge using up the summer glut of home-grown tomatoes, isn’t it?? This recipe is a great solution – so quick and packed with fresh flavours. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jessica Formicola
I love how simple yet delicious this is! It looks like the perfect pasta to enjoy during summer!