This easy recipe for Tomato Basil Pasta is the ultimate summer comfort food. This dish is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that come together effortlessly to create a meal that's hearty but refreshing. In my opinion, summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy this dish. Keep reading for the full recipe!
If you’re new here, one thing you should know about me is that I am a HUGE fan of any kind of pasta. Whether you’re on the hunt for a decadent, creamy Brie Mac and Cheese or a delicate and sophisticated Linguine with Clams in a Saffron Sauce, look no further! I have a whole category of delicious pasta recipes, so you have come to the right place.
Whether you're cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. So let's dive in!
Table of Contents:
🎥 Watch the video of this recipe
Why you'll love this delicious pasta dish
- It's simple - This is a favorite recipe of mine because there are only a handful of ingredients, but there is no shortage of flavor
- Fresh ingredients - The herby sweet basil and juicy tomatoes are packed with fresh flavor that take this pasta dish to a whole other level
- It comes together quickly - This simple pasta dish is perfect for an easy weeknight meal
🥘 What you need for this tomato basil pasta
Ingredients
- Angel hair pasta - I like angel hair for it's lighter, more delicate quality, but penne pasta is another great option for this recipe!
- Beefsteak or heirloom tomato, diced - Beefsteak tomatoes work best for this recipe, but any juicy ripe tomatoes will work
- Butter - For best results, use a good quality butter--you really can taste the difference!
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped - This is the best part! Do not cut corners and use dried basil.
- Heavy cream
- Extra Virgin Olive oil
See recipe card for quantities.
📋 How to make Tomato Basil Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Remember to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid will come in handy later to create a luscious sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Tomatoes
While the pasta is cooking, heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the diced tomatoes and gently sauté them until they just start to soften. We want to release their natural sweetness without turning them mushy.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Tomatoes
Once the tomatoes are slightly cooked, add the drained cooked pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is coated evenly with those juicy tomato flavors.
Now, it's time to elevate our dish with some rich and creamy goodness. Season the pasta and tomatoes with salt to taste, then add a generous knob of butter to the skillet. Let it melt and coat the pasta, creating a luxurious base for our sauce. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently as it combines with the other ingredients. This is where the magic happens, transforming our simple ingredients into a velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Add some of your reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the right thickness and consistency for your sauce.
Sprinkle half of the chopped basil into the skillet, giving everything a final toss to incorporate those fresh herbal notes throughout the dish.
Transfer the Tomato Basil Pasta to serving plates or bowls, making sure to get plenty of that creamy sauce in each portion. Finish off with a sprinkle of the remaining chopped basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.
And there you have it! A delectable fresh Tomato Basil Pasta that's bursting with the bright flavors of summer. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite chilled white wine for a meal that's as satisfying as it is simple. Enjoy!
Variations
- Spicy - Like your pasta dishes with a little extra heat? Add red pepper flakes or a small amount of Calabrian chili oil to the tomatoes while sauteeing to contrast their sweetness.
- Protein-packed - Grilled chicken breast makes an excellent addition to this dish if you’re looking for a way to amp up the protein.
- Vegan - If you want all of the flavor but none of the dairy, swap the regular butter for a vegan butter alternative or olive oil, and exchange the heavy cream for coconut milk.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Storage
This dish reheats well, so make enough to enjoy leftovers the next day!
Refrigerate in an airtight container and consume in 2-3 days to ensure freshness.
To reheat, I recommend adding pasta to a small sauce pan or skillet with a splash of water and heating over medium-low heat until fully heated through.
Recipe FAQs
This tomato basil pasta goes well with any type of pasta! I love using angel hair for this, but feel free to use thin spaghetti, bucatini, rigatoni, linguine, or whatever you choose!
The basil should be added and stirred in right at the very end as well as a garnish, after cooking. Adding the basil too soon will dilute its flavor!
Even though you might see tomatoes at your grocery store year-round, this dish is FAR better when tomatoes are in season in the summertime. If you do want to make this when tomatoes are not in season, saute them a bit longer to pull out more flavor.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this:
Love a recipe you've tried? Please leave a 5-star🌟 rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Don't forget to tag me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook when you try one of my recipes!
📖 Recipe
Simple Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta (Tomato Butter Pasta)
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Angel hair pasta or other pasta shape
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 large Beefsteak tomato or heirloom tomato, diced
- 2 tablespoon Butter salted
- ¼ cup Heavy cream
- 5-7 leaves Basil sliced chiffonade
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt plus more to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain, reserve pasta water, and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the olive oil along with tomatoes over medium heat. Gently sauté them until they just start to soften.
- Once the tomatoes are slightly cooked, add the drained cooked pasta back into the pot. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is coated evenly.
- To the pot, add salt, butter, and cream. Stir to combine until the butter is melted and incorporated.
- Add some of your reserved pasta cooking water as needed to achieve the right thickness and consistency for your sauce. The sauce should be slightly loose.
- Add half of the chopped basil into the skillet, giving everything a final toss to incorporate.
- Transfer the Tomato Basil Pasta to serving plates or bowls, making sure to get plenty of the sauce and diced tomatoes in each portion. Garnish with remaining basil.
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