Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase using the links that I provided. This helps support me in making more recipes to share with you all.
Ever find yourself craving a simple, tasty meal that’s both quick to whip up and feels like a hug in a bowl?
This Tomato Basil Pasta recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Plus, it’s made with fresh, simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Trust me, this Cherry Tomato Pasta is about to become your new go-to!
Not only is this dish super easy to make, but it’s also budget-friendly and packed with flavor. Fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and garlic come together to create a light and delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. So, let’s dive in and make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Table of Contents
Fresh and Simple Ingredients
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this Tomato Basil Pasta so special:
Protein of Choice (chicken, sausage, shrimp, etc.): This adds a boost of protein to your meal, making it more filling and nutritious. Whether you prefer chicken, shrimp, or sausage, the protein absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
I went with a Tomato Basil Chicken Sausage that I got from Aldi. To keep this recipe quick and easy, I suggest a fast-cooking protein. Shrimp and sliced sausage can be ready in just a few minutes.
Shallot: Shallots bring a delicate and slightly sweet onion flavor to the dish. They’re milder than regular onions, adding a subtle depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Fresh basil: Fresh basil is the star of this recipe. It provides a sweet, slightly peppery flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes. The aromatic leaves bring a burst of freshness and vibrant green color to the dish.
Garlic: Garlic is a must in any good simple pasta dish. Its bold, pungent flavor enhances the savory profile of the sauce and pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes, sweet and juicy summer produce, perfect for creating a light and fresh sauce. When cooked, they release their juices, creating a delicious base for the pasta sauce.
Cooking wine: Cooking wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce. It helps to deglaze the pan, lifting all those flavorful bits from the bottom and incorporating them into the sauce.
Rigatoni noodles: Rigatoni is a great pasta choice for this dish because its ridges hold onto the sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful. You can substitute with your favorite pasta if you prefer.
Heavy cream: Heavy cream adds a touch of richness and smoothness to the sauce. It balances the acidity of the tomatoes and wine, creating a creamy, luxurious texture.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to your preference to bring out the best in each ingredient. You don’t need a lot of additional seasonings for this simple pasta recipe. The fresh ingredients give you all the flavor you need.
Red chili flakes: If you like a bit of heat, red chili flakes add a nice kick. They balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the sauce, adding another layer of flavor.
How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare the Ingredients
First things first, let’s get all our ingredients ready.
Wash and halve those juicy cherry tomatoes. Trust me, the fresher, the better. Chop up the basil, shallots, and mince the garlic. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this simple pasta recipe.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your rigatoni noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente.
Once they’re done, drain the pasta and set it aside. We’ll come back to it soon. You can start on the pasta sauce while your noodles are boiling.
Cook the Protein
In a large pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add your protein of choice and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
This will take about 5-7 minutes depending on what protein you choose. Once it’s done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Make the Sauce
Using the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the finely chopped shallot until it’s translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until it’s fragrant, about a minute.
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook them until they start to soften and release their juices. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Pour in the cooking wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes to taste.
Pour in your heavy cream and stir until well-combined. Let your sauce simmer and reduce for a few minutes to thicken up a little bit.
Combine and Serve
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with the cooked protein. Toss everything to combine and ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Stir in the fresh basil.
Serve immediately, and if you’re feeling fancy, top it off with some grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your homemade Tomato Basil Pasta!
Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Pasta
Choosing the Best Ingredients
When it comes to making Tomato Basil Pasta, using the freshest ingredients you can find is key.
Fresh, ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil will elevate your dish to the next level. If you can get your hands on tomatoes from a local farmers’ market, even better!
Tomatoes are the best in the summer and basil grows best in the spring, making this the perfect spring/summer recipe.
Variations and Add-Ons
Feel like mixing things up a bit? This recipe is super versatile.
You can add some grilled chicken or shrimp if you’re in the mood for some extra protein. Or, toss in a handful of spinach for some added greens. The possibilities are endless with this simple pasta recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture, canned tomatoes can be a great alternative if you’re in a pinch.
Just make sure to use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat or throw it in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of olive oil to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish without any worries.
Enjoy Your Tomato Basil Pasta!
There you have it – a super easy and delicious Tomato Basil Pasta recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. With just a few fresh ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a meal that’s both comforting and impressive.
I hope you love this dish as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see how you make this recipe your own!
Related Recipes
More Pasta Recipes to Try
More Spring/Summer Recipes to Try
Join Our Community
Don’t miss out on any of our tasty recipes! Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest recipes and tips straight to your inbox. Join our community of food lovers and let’s cook up something amazing together!
Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients
- 6 oz Protein of Choice
- 1 Shallot finely chopped
- ¼ cup Basil chopped
- 1 tbso Garlic minced
- 10 oz Cherry Tomatoes
- ½ cup Cooking Wine
- 6 oz Rigatoni Noodles
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Red Chili Flakes to taste
Instructions
- First, prepare all your ingredients by washing and halving the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the shallot and basil and mince the garlic.
- Next, cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the rigatoni noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a bit of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add your protein of choice and cook it, which should take about 5-7 minutes depending on the protein you choose. Once the protein is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the finely chopped shallot until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them until they start to soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the cooking wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes to taste.
- Now it's time to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with the cooked protein. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Finally, stir in the fresh basil.
- Serve the Tomato Basil Pasta immediately, and if you're feeling fancy, top it off with some grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious homemade pasta!
