Easy Tomato Basil Pasta

Name: Easy Tomato Basil Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 250-300 grams Pasta (e.g., spaghetti, penne) (Any shape you prefer); 2-3 cloves Garlic (Finely sliced or minced); 400 grams Crushed Tomatoes (One standard can); 2-3 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (Chopped or torn leaves); 50-70 grams Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated, plus more for serving); to taste Salt (For pasta water and sauce); to taste Black Pepper

This simple and quick recipe features al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato and garlic sauce, finished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. It's perfect for a fast weeknight meal.

#pasta

#easy recipe

#weeknight meal

#vegetarian

#italian

#tomato sauce

#quick meal

Boiling Pasta

Recipe Information

Prep Time

20m

Cook Time

25m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Italian

French

Nutrition (per serving)

450

Calories

18g

Protein

60g

Carbs

16g

Fat

Sautéing Garlic and Sauce

Ingredients

Pasta (e.g., spaghetti, penne)
(Any shape you prefer)
250 grams
Garlic
(Finely sliced or minced)
2 cloves
Crushed Tomatoes
(One standard can)
400 grams
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons
Fresh Basil
(Chopped or torn leaves)
1 cup
Parmesan Cheese
(Freshly grated, plus more for serving)
50 grams
Salt
(For pasta water and sauce)
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste

Servings: 2

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Mixing Pasta with Sauce

Instructions

0/8 completed

1
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
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10m
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Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
10m
Ensure the water is generously salted for flavorful pasta.
2
While the pasta is cooking, thinly slice the garlic cloves.
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2m
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While the pasta is cooking, thinly slice the garlic cloves.
2m
Slicing rather than mincing garlic can give a milder, sweeter flavor.
3
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
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2m
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
2m
Burnt garlic can taste bitter, so keep a close eye on it.
4
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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7m
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Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7m
A good simmer helps the flavors meld together.
5
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water. Add the drained pasta directly to the tomato sauce in the skillet.
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1m
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Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water. Add the drained pasta directly to the tomato sauce in the skillet.
1m
The reserved pasta water can be used to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
6
Add the fresh basil leaves and most of the grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta and sauce.
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1m
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Add the fresh basil leaves and most of the grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta and sauce.
1m
Tear basil leaves by hand for a more rustic look and to prevent bruising.
7
Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and cheese is melted. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
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2m
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Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and cheese is melted. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
2m
Serving immediately ensures the best texture and flavor.
8
Enjoy your delicious Easy Tomato Basil Pasta!
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Enjoy your delicious Easy Tomato Basil Pasta!
0m
Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.