20 Minute Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

This Tomato Basil Angel Hair Pasta is one of those recipes I come back to again and again when I want something simple, fresh, and comforting.

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I first learned a version of this sauce while taking a cooking class in Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The ingredients couldn’t have been simpler—sweet tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil—but the flavor was unforgettable.

Years later, it’s still one of my favorite weeknight dinners. It’s light, packed with fresh ingredients, and ready in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Pasta

• Ready in just 20 minutes
• Made with fresh, simple ingredients
• Perfect for busy weeknights
• Light yet satisfying
• Budget-friendly dinner
• Naturally vegetarian
• Easy to customize with protein
• Tastes like an Italian restaurant meal
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• A great way to use summer tomatoes

Ingredients for Tomato Basil Angel Hair Pasta

One of the best things about this tomato basil pasta is that it relies on simple ingredients to create incredible flavor. Fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmesan come together to make a light sauce that tastes like summer in every bite.

• Angel Hair Pasta: A thin, delicate pasta that cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with light tomato-based sauces.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and serves as the flavorful base of the sauce.
• Garlic: Brings bold, savory flavor to every bite.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Burst as they cook, creating a fresh, naturally sweet tomato sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Adds bright, fresh flavor and classic Italian flair.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dish.
• Granulated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty richness and finishes the pasta beautifully.
• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon brightens the sauce and balances the richness.

How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta

This easy tomato basil pasta comes together in just 20 minutes and uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

1. Cook the angel hair pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, sauté the garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
3. Add the tomatoes and cook until they blister and burst, releasing their juices.
4. Stir in a splash of pasta water and season with salt.
5. Toss the pasta with the tomato mixture and let it finish cooking in the sauce.
6. Add fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Variations for this Tomato Basil Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

One of the reasons I love this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add protein, extra vegetables, or make it a little richer, here are a few delicious ideas.

Add Protein:

• Grilled Chicken: Slice and toss in for extra heartiness.
• Shrimp: Sauté separately and add just before serving.
• Italian Sausage: Brown and crumble into the sauce for a savory twist.

Enhance the Sauce:

• Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch for a subtle kick.
• Lemon Zest or Juice: Brightens up the flavors.
• Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: Sprinkle on top for added richness.
• Add a Splash of Cream: Stir in a bit of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Top with Burrata or Fresh Mozzarella: Adds a creamy, indulgent finish.

Add Fresh Veggies or Herbs:

• Spinach or Arugula: Stir in just before serving for a fresh touch.
• Zucchini: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and extra texture.
• Bell Peppers: Sauté with the tomatoes for extra texture.
• Mushrooms: They bring a savory, umami depth to the sauce.
• Oregano, Thyme, or Parsley: For a different herbal note.

What to Serve with Tomato Basil Pasta

• Grilled Chicken
• Chicken Caprese
• Garlic Bread
• Caesar Salad
• Crispy Pesto Chicken

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold straight from the fridge for an easy lunch the next day.

When you need a dinner that’s quick, fresh, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, this Tomato Basil Angel Hair Pasta delivers every time. With sweet burst tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan, it’s proof that a handful of simple ingredients can create something truly special.

More Easy Pasta Recipes to Try

• Cream of Mushroom Pasta
• Spicy Queso Pasta Primavera
• Easy Beef Ragu and Pasta
• Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
• One-Pot Lasagna Pasta
• 20 Minute Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Lemon Butter Pasta
• Bolognese Recipe

Watch How This Pasta Recipe is Made…

4.35 from 58 votes

Tomato Basil Pasta

By Carrian Cheney

Cook20 minutes mins

Total20 minutes mins

Servings4

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This cherry tomato and basil angel comes together in under 20 minutes, making for a a delicious and super easy meal for your family!

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Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ ½ Pound Angel Hair Pasta
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• ▢ 5 Large Garlic Cloves, thinly sliced
• ▢ 2 Pounds Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
• ▢ 1 Cup Basil, loosely packed, roughly chopped
• ▢ ¾ teaspoon Salt, plus more for seasoning
• ▢ ½ Cup Granulated Parmesan, plus more for garnish, see note
• ▢ ½ Lemon

US Customary – Metric

Instructions 

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
• Add in a good handful of salt. Add pasta. Cook al dente or until pasta is slightly undercooked.
  ½ Pound Angel Hair Pasta
• Using tongs remove pasta from water into a colander. Reserve cooking liquid.
• While pasta is cooking, add garlic and olive oil to a very large skillet and stir to keep from sticking.
  5 Large Garlic Cloves, 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• Turn the medium heat and cook until garlic becomes soft, about two minutes.
• Turn the heat to a medium-high and add tomatoes and salt to the pan. Cook two minutes.
  2 Pounds Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, ¾ teaspoon Salt
• Add 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid leftover from pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to a simmer for five minutes — the tomatoes should be starting to burst. If they haven’t gently push on them using the back of a wooden spoon. You only want about half to burst.
• Add pasta, cook another two minutes.
• Turn the heat off, add basil and parmesan cheese.
  1 Cup Basil, ½ Cup Granulated Parmesan
• Toss to coat.
• If needed add more starchy pasta water.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
  ½ Lemon
• Serve with extra grated parmesan cheese.

Recipe Notes

Pro Tip: For the best flavor and texture, skip the pre-grated Parmesan. Instead, pulse a chunk of Parmesan in a blender or food processor until finely ground. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!

Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 373kcal, Carbohydrates: 55g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 684mg, Potassium: 678mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 1534IU, Vitamin C: 55mg, Calcium: 166mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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