Perfectly Balanced Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

Tomato basil pasta is a beloved dish that combines rich flavors with the simplicity of fresh ingredients. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal or a light dinner option, this recipe offers something to suit everyone's taste buds.

This recipe makes enough pasta to serve four people and can be prepared in just 30 minutes from start to finish. The key elements are simple: fresh tomatoes, basil leaves, garlic cloves, olive oil, and a touch of butter. You'll also need some penne or spaghetti for the noodle base.

To begin, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is warm, gently place four cloves of minced garlic in the pan. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. This should take about 3-4 minutes to achieve just the right depth of flavor.

Meanwhile, while the garlic is cooking, prepare your tomato sauce by mixing a can of crushed tomatoes (about one and a half cups) with two tablespoons of water in another bowl. Stir gently until well combined. If you prefer a more concentrated tomato taste, this can be adjusted to use less water or no additional liquid at all.

When the garlic has finished cooking, carefully pour the tomato mixture into the skillet. Add one teaspoon of fresh basil leaves and stir everything together over low heat for about 10 minutes until it starts thickening slightly. Salt and pepper should be added according to your preference; remember that too much salt can overpower the natural sweetness of tomatoes.

Once the sauce is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to boil for your pasta. Once boiling, add approximately 8 ounces (225g) of penne or spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions—typically around eight minutes.

While the pasta cooks, continue cooking the tomato sauce on very low heat so it doesn’t burn while you prepare the rest of the meal. If you wish, you could also add a touch of sugar or red pepper flakes for extra flavor depending on what you enjoy!

Drain the cooked pasta reserving about half a cup (120ml) of the pasta water. Then toss the penne into the skillet with your tomato basil mixture. Stir gently to coat the noodles thoroughly, adding some of the reserved pasta water if needed to help everything blend together smoothly.

Add one tablespoon of butter and two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance both creaminess and taste. Mix all these components until well combined. Taste before serving; adjust salt levels accordingly depending on how salty your canned tomatoes were.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle additional freshly chopped basil over each portion of pasta right before serving it hot from the skillet or plate individually onto plates for an attractive presentation. Serve this dish with garlic bread and salad if desired to complete the meal.

The perfect balance between simplicity and complexity makes tomato basil pasta one of those recipes that never fails to please. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time during the week, whether you're hosting friends over or simply having a quiet night in.