Tomato Basil Pasta (15 minutes)
on Sep 13, 2019, Updated Jun 23, 2025
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Too lazy to cook but still want something comforting and packed with flavor? This Tomato Basil Pasta is your answer! It’s a quick 15-minute recipe that’s simple, vibrant, and absolutely satisfying!
You know those nights when you want a fresh, home-cooked meal but the idea of cooking sounds like way too much effort? This Tomato Basil Pasta is the recipe for that. Toss everything in one pan, throw in some cooked pasta, finish with cheese — and suddenly, dinner’s done and you feel like a genius.
I love making this on rotation along with my Pasta in Jalapeno Pesto and my Vegan Pasta Salad for the easiest weeknight dinners. Cozy, comforting, and comes together with barely any effort.
Jump to section: Tomato Basil Pasta
Tomato Basil Pasta Ingredients
This recipe’s got minimal ingredients, so I would not recommend skipping anything.
- Angel hair pasta (or you could use spaghetti or any other long string pasta)
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil leaves
- Butter
- Fresh mozzarella / bocconcini
Frequently Asked Questions
Angel hair works beautifully for its quick cooking time and light texture, but spaghetti, linguine, or even penne work great here too.
Yes! Just chop them small so they break down faster. Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and lend a really nice flavor, but any juicy variety works in a pinch.
Absolutely. Try adding zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, grilled chicken, bacon or shrimp to bulk it up. This pasta is a perfect base.
Richa’s Top Tips
- Cook pasta al dente — it keeps its bite and texture when tossed with sauce. I make sure to always add the pasta to boiling water to achieve this.
- I have used Bocconcini cheese for this recipe, but feel to replace it with mozzarella, parmesan or even processed cheese if that is more readily available to you.
- Always cook garlic and olive oil on a low flame. Since garlic and olive oil form the base of this recipe, we want it to cook without burning.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or roasted veggies
- Add a crisp green salad for a complete meal
- Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and more cheese on top
Storage Tips
- This Tomato Basil Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- You can reheat the pasta with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce
- This isn’t ideal for freezing as the pasta may turn mushy
Customisation Ideas
- Make it spicy: Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce
- Boost protein: Toss in grilled chicken or stir in sautéed tofu
- More veggies: Add spinach, corn, or mushrooms for extra goodness
Sometimes all you really need is a pot of fresh pasta – so it’s perfect that this one comes together in just 15 minutes! Give it a go and let me know what you think <3
Try it and tag @my_foodstory — I can’t wait to see your pasta night! 🍅🌿🍝
Watch Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe Video
Tomato Basil Pasta (15 minutes)
Ingredients
- 200 grams Angel Hair Pasta, or any other long string pasta
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced
- 3 ½ cups Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, loosely packed
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- Fresh mozzarella / Bocconcini
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions till al dente. While the pasta is cooking, reserve ½ cup pasta water and set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan and add garlic. Sauté the garlic on a low flame for 2-3 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and two pinches of salt and cook them for a few minutes till soft. Break the tomatoes slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Add reserved pasta water and simmer for 5 minutes till it thickens and becomes saucy.
- Add pasta and butter and toss well. Add the basil, toss again till the basil wilts. Break the cheese and add it on top. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Always add the pasta to boiling water. Never add pasta to warm or room temperature water. Time it and cook it till al dente.
- Reserve some of the pasta water as the starch present in this will help thicken the sauce.
- Cook tomatoes on medium heat instead of low heat. This will give it an extra charred smoky flavour.
- Time it so that the pasta gets cooked just about the same time the sautéed tomatoes are ready. This way the pasta won’t harden and the sauce won’t settle.
- Feel free to swap the tomatoes for something else like bacon (see bacon aglio olio) or shrimp (see shrimp aglio olio) or mushroom (see mushroom aglio olio)
I made this as written. It was very easy and tasty. Will make it again!
Hey Maureen, so so glad you liked the recipe.
This looks delicious! Is there a way to convert it to cook in the air fryer?
hey Jennifer, unfortunately, we haven’t tested this for the air fryer.
Delicious
Thanks a lot Lin.
We make this recipe regularly during the summer. So quick and tasty! My kids love it, too!
Yaay! that sounds fantastic Becca, glad you & your kids enjoyed it. Thank you for leaving a comment.