Easy Tomato Basil Pasta – Simple Weeknight Dinner

This easy tomato basil pasta is a simple weeknight dinner built around pantry staples, garlic, tomatoes, pasta, and fresh basil. It is straightforward enough for a busy evening and flexible enough to adjust with vegetables, cheese, or protein if you want to make it more filling.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 to 15 ounces) crushed or diced tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, sliced
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, optional
• Reserved pasta water, as needed

How to Make Easy Tomato Basil Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until it reaches your preferred texture.
2. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
3. While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the garlic and cook briefly, stirring so it does not brown too much.
5. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes so the flavors come together.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
7. Remove from the heat and fold in the fresh basil. Add Parmesan if using.

Why Reserve Pasta Water?

The starchy cooking water can help the sauce coat the pasta more evenly. Add only a small amount at a time until the sauce reaches the consistency you like.

Tips for Better Tomato Basil Pasta

• Do not burn the garlic. Garlic can turn bitter when it becomes too dark.
• Add basil near the end. Fresh basil keeps more of its aroma when it is not cooked for too long.
• Season gradually. Parmesan and pasta water can both add saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt.
• Use the pasta shape you have. Spaghetti, penne, rotini, and similar shapes can all work.
• Keep a little cooking water. It is easier to thin the sauce than to fix one that becomes watery.

Easy Variations

Add vegetables

Spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted peppers can be added for more variety. Cook firm vegetables before adding the tomatoes; delicate greens can go in near the end.

Add protein

Cooked chicken, white beans, or chickpeas can make the meal more substantial. If adding previously cooked ingredients, heat them thoroughly before serving.

Make it creamy

For a richer sauce, stir in a small splash of cream after the tomato sauce has simmered. If you prefer a creamier pasta from the start, see our creamy garlic Parmesan pasta.

What to Serve With It

This pasta works well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For another easy dinner idea, try our sheet pan chicken and vegetables or one-pot chicken and rice.

Storage and Reheating

Cool leftovers promptly and store them in a covered container in the refrigerator. The USDA advises refrigerating perishable leftovers within two hours and reheating leftovers thoroughly. You can review their general leftovers and food safety guidance.

When reheating, add a spoonful of water if the pasta has absorbed most of the sauce. Heat until steaming throughout.

Can You Use Dried Basil?

Yes. If fresh basil is unavailable, use dried basil in a smaller amount and add it while the tomato sauce simmers. Fresh basil gives a different aroma, so use it when available if you want a brighter finish.

Can You Use Fresh Tomatoes?

Fresh ripe tomatoes can work, but the cooking time and sauce texture will vary depending on how juicy they are. Canned tomatoes are convenient because they provide a more consistent base for a quick weeknight sauce.

Common Problems

The sauce is too thick

Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon or two at a time and toss again.

The sauce tastes flat

Check the salt first, then consider more black pepper, basil, or a small amount of Parmesan. Taste before making several changes at once.

The pasta is watery

Let the sauce simmer a little longer before combining it with the pasta, and avoid adding too much pasta water at once.

Final Thoughts

Easy tomato basil pasta is a practical recipe because the ingredient list is short and the method is flexible. Keep the garlic gentle, let the tomatoes simmer briefly, and add fresh basil at the end for the best balance of flavor.

If pasta is a favorite in your kitchen, you may also like our creamy garlic chicken pasta.

Photo: Danijela Prijovic via Unsplash.