Easy 3-Ingredient Tomato Basil Pasta
This Easy 3-Ingredient Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick, fresh, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave simple deliciousness.
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- to taste olive oil for cooking and optional drizzle
- to taste salt for pasta water
- to taste freshly ground black pepper optional, for serving
Instructions
Preparation and Cooking
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss together over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta beautifully.
- Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the chopped fresh basil. The residual heat will gently release the basil’s aroma without wilting it completely.
- Transfer to plates or bowls and enjoy immediately. Optionally, drizzle with a little more olive oil or sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Sharp Knife
- Tongs or pasta fork
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture; canned tomatoes are not recommended.
- Add garlic or red pepper flakes when cooking tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil.
- For variations, swap spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, spiralized zucchini, or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.