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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.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Tomato Basil Angel Hair Pasta
- How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta
- Variations for this Tomato Basil Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
- Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Pasta
- What to Serve with Tomato Basil Pasta
- Storage Tips
- More Easy Pasta Recipes to Try
- Watch How This Pasta Recipe is Made…
- Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
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.
- Cook the angel hair pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, sauté the garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and cook until they blister and burst, releasing their juices.
- Stir in a splash of pasta water and season with salt.
- Toss the pasta with the tomato mixture and let it finish cooking in the sauce.
- 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.
Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan.
- Salt the pasta water generously.
- Reserve pasta water before draining.
- Use fresh basil whenever possible.
- Don’t overcook the angel hair.
- Let the pasta finish cooking in the sauce.
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…
Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients
- 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
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this last night with plum tomatoes, oregano, and basil from the garden. Then I was making a chicken dish so at the end I put in the chicken juices from the pan. It was really delicious. My husband couldn’t stop eating it. I haven’t had much luck with angel hair because I always overcook it. But undercooking it then finishing it up in with the sauce was a new technique and worked.
Isn’t that such a great way to not end up with soggy noodles? Thanks Jeanne!
This recipe ( 20 Minute Cherry Tomato and Basil Angel Hair) id de-lisious!!! I have made it many times but may I suggest cooking the pasta until al dente drain all but the half cup of pasta water, rinse it THEN add it to the sauce…..you have to rinse to stop the cooking process of the angel hair pasta or it will be an over cooked mess all mushy and sticky….its still good its just the texture totally changes! This is just my experience if get in too big of a hurry 😉
This recipe is excellent! Easy, delicious, inexpensive, easty-to-find ingredients, and pretty. I made something else recently that I THOUGHT was this recipe, and it was terribly disappointing. I have now pinned this one, bookmarked it, and shared it with friends so I don’t lose it again! 🙂 Yum!
So glad to hear that! I made a similar one too and it was sooooo bland. I wonder if we made the same recipe 😉
i have made this recipe numerous times since i discovered it, it’s my go-to last minute meal. i love it!! so quick, easy, tasty – i love watching the little tomatoes cook. thank you! wonderful post!
So glad to hear that, thanks!
This recipe sounded so good to me, but I knew my family would want some kind of meat. So, I sauteed some chopped chicken breasts, then proceeded with the garlic, tomatoes, etc. I also threw in a handful of fresh spinach right at the end. WOW!!! So delicious, not heavy, yet very satisfying and filling. Thanks for the recipe!
I looooove adding chicken to easy dishes like this! Thanks for taking the time to comment Kathleen!
This was quite good. I was far short on the tomatoes, which worked out well as DBF doesn’t like them cooked this way anyway (more for me!). We both loved the pasta, though. (I also used less basil, due to personal preference.)
I know this an old post, but I found it searching for an easy, quick pasta recipe with the ingredients I already had on hand.
I noticed a couple at least one poster asked about vegan options for the parmesan cheese. so I thought I’d throw in my two cents. A great alternative for grated parm==or anything that needs that cheesy flavor–is nutritional yeast (which is not really yeast). It’s available at any health food store and probably online as well. I also use The Vegetarian Express “Parma Zaan Sprinkles,” which I get at my local Seventh Day Advendist grocery store. I don’t usually use a lot of grated parm, so that product will suffice on the rare occasions when I do use them. I intend to use a combination of both nutritional yeast and the faux parm sprinkles in this recipe.
Thanks for posting this!
Pam, I love that information. Thank you!
Yay!!!looks yummy..
Will try to do this on weekend. Grape tomatoes looks cute. 😀
I’m a college student and it was refreshing to find a really good pasta recipe that wasn’t all cheese or butter. I just made it and after eating, I called my mom to tell her that I found to the pasta recipe to end all recipes!!! This was great
So glad you enjoyed it! What are you studying in college?
You had me at 20 Minutes 🙂 this is the perfect weeknight meal!!