This Tomato Basil Pasta is a super simple pasta recipe, yet incredibly flavorful. It’s one of my go-to fresh tomato pasta dinners!
It’s made with blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and perfectly cooked bucatini…with a touch of fresh lemon zest and fresh burrata cheese.
This 20-minute tomato basil pasta is a great option for an easy and simple weeknight dinner that the entire family will enjoy.
This fresh tomato basil pasta is so good and perfect for summer! I love making summer-inspired pasta dishes…you know, the kind with minimal cook time and maximum freshness.
Similar to this one, my fresh creamy tomato pasta and lemon cream pasta have so much brightness and freshness.
This recipe is a go-to option for weeknight meals because it is quick and easy. 20 minutes is all it takes to make this tomato basil pasta!
The combination of ripe heirloom cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, bright lemon zest, and creamy burrata is incredible. Truly, the best things in life are found in the simplest things.
The best part about this pasta is the burrata! As you know, I’m a true burrata lover. I love making my Tomato Burrata Salad and Burrata Bowl for lunch.
Why we love making this tomato basil pasta:
- Quick and easy! It’s a great weeknight dinner that takes minimal effort to make.
- Great way to use summer tomatoes: Tomatoes are bursting with flavor and juiciness during the summer. Heirloom tomatoes are my favorite for that pop of color!
- Versatile: This dish can be served on its own or with grilled chicken, shrimp, steak, or any protein. It goes well with any protein to make a complete meal.
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A Quick 20-Minute Weeknight Pasta
Tomatoes are great to make so many recipes, from sauces to soups, such as my Tomato Basil Bisque.
The whole point of this basil pasta is that it’s simple, with minimal cook time. The tomatoes cook just until they start to blister. You want to preserve their shape and freshness as much as possible.
There’s nothing complicated here – simply combine tomatoes, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper to create a delicious, rustic tomato sauce. It’s BURSTING with flavor! No need for extra seasoning or long simmering times. That’s how flavorful and juicy tomatoes are in the summer!
If you’re looking for more fresh weeknight dinners, you have to try this Creamy Lemon Chicken, Salmon Cobb Salad, or Strawberry Chicken Salad.
Ingredient Notes
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this quick and easy tomato basil pasta. Below are a few ingredient notes from recipe testing. Per usual, the ingredient quantities can be found in the recipe card down below.
- Bucatini pasta: This thick long pasta is perfect for holding the fresh tomato delicious sauce. If you can’t find it, use your favorite type of pasta.
- Heirloom cherry tomatoes: Choose colorful and ripe cherry tomatoes for that burst of sweetness and color. If you can’t find heirloom tomatoes, regular red cherry tomatoes or even diced roma tomatoes will work too.
- Olive oil: I’d recommend good, robust extra virgin olive oil for flavor.
- Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and aroma to the sauce.
- Fresh basil: Adds amazing fresh and fragrant flavors and color.
- Lemon zest: Adds a touch of brightness you won’t want to miss!
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
We’ve been making lots of tomato basil pasta on repeat lately because it’s so easy and delicious. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to make it.
Step 1 | Cook pasta
In a medium pot, cook the bucatini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining the pasta, make sure to reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water. This water will be used later to incorporate the fresh tomato sauce with the pasta.
Step 2 | Cook the tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat about ¼ cup olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add heirloom cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to blister and release their juices. Use a paring knife to poke the tomatoes to help them blister faster.
Step 3 | Add pasta and fresh basil
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the blistered tomatoes and toss to combine. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to help create a rustic sauce from the tomatoes and to help the sauce coat the noodles.
Step 4 | Finish with lemon zest
Add the fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. To finish, drizzle with extra olive oil and add fresh lemon zest.
I like to serve this dish with more fresh basil, and of course, creamy burrata cheese!
Pairing and Serving Ideas
I love to keep it simple and enjoy tomato basil pasta as is, but you can also complement this dish with protein, extra veggies, or even a side of carbs:
- Add grilled chicken: Try my lemon marinade for chicken, or make my easy chicken parmesan. To keep it simple, make this pan-seared chicken.
- Add a shrimp! Marinated grilled shrimp would go great with this pasta.
- Serve with crusty bread: Crusty bread is perfect for absorbing the sauce and savoring the flavors. For an upgrade, try my favorite Cheesy Garlic Bread or Rosemary Focaccia.
- Pair with my favorite Tomato Burrata Salad or Caprese Skewers!
More summer dishes to serve with this summer pasta:
Recipe FAQs
Yes, absolutely. Red cherry tomatoes or even diced Roma tomatoes work well.
I’d recommend making tomato basil pasta fresh. It does keep well in the fridge for 2 days, but the fresh blistered tomato sauce is best fresh.
I like to use bucatini here, but you may also use spaghetti (thin spaghetti, regular, or thick) or angel hair pasta. Short pasta shapes work great too – I’d recommend rotini or penne.
The starchy pasta water helps to create a smoother sauce by emulsifying the blistered tomatoes and making it cling to the pasta better.
This recipe was published in 2020 and updated in August 2024 to include new photos and information.
Tips for Success
- Look for good quality robust extra virgin olive oil. It will infuse the entire dish with incredible flavor.
- Remember to reserve some pasta water, as you may need it to help the pasta and blistered tomatoes incorporate.
- When cooking the pasta, don’t add oil to the water. Doing so will prevent the sauce from clinging on the pasta. And remember to salt your water.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Keep it al dente to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.
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Tomato Basil Pasta
Equipment
- Medium pot to cook the pasta
Ingredients
- ½ pound bucatini pasta - or spaghetti or linguini
- 4 to 5 cup heirloom cherry tomatoes - about 24 ounces
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil - plus more for drizzling
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh sliced basil - plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon zest from 1 lemon - or to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in generously salted water. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later just in case. Drain and run the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat ¼ cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until they start bursting, stirring occasionally, but let them cook undisturbed for the most part. Tip: If needed, poke the tomatoes with a paring knife to help them burst faster.
- Toss the blistered tomato sauce with the cooked bucatini pasta, adding some of the reserved pasta water little by little as needed until incorporated.
- Add the sliced basil and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add a few extra drizzles of olive oil. Finish with more basil on top and fresh lemon zest. Serve with burrata cheese. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make ahead: I’d recommend serving it fresh. It does keep well in the fridge for 2 days, but the fresh blistered tomato sauce is best fresh.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce and become slightly softer when reheated. To freshen it up, drizzle a little olive oil and gently reheat in the microwave.
- Heirloom cherry tomatoes: Regular cherry tomatoes or even diced Roma tomatoes.
- Bucatini pasta: Spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, rotini, penne, rigatoni.
- For a healthier take, use whole-grain pasta or even zucchini noodles.
Sabrina says
Enjoyed this! Added red pepper flakes and served with pan seared filet mignon. Thanks for sharing!
Janice M Poirot says
I added capers and red pepper flakes and a sprinkle of garlic salt (I don’t salt pasta water) and fresh ground pepper before serving. I subbed fresh lemon juice for the lemon zest and didn’t need to add any pasta water back into the pasta. It was peppery and spicy which I like. It’s super fast. Will make again.
Melody says
I found this after searching for a pasta recipe using my fresh homegrown cherry tomatoes and basil I did use some oil from a jar of sun dried tomatoes. I had no chili flakes so used crushed pepper flakes but barely an 1/8 of tsp. It tasted fresh and delicious. Will make again.
Diane Ratcliffe says
I made this tonight. Followed the directions.
It was tasteless. Don’t know why. Very disappointed but it sure sounded good which is why I made it.
Teresa says
hmm… what kind of tomatoes did you use?
Roman says
When do u add the lemon zest?
Tania says
at the very end, as a finishing touch!
Donny Domino says
Lovely, quick and super tasty!
Kalina says
Easy to follow steps and so tasty! My man says it’s gonna put Buca out of business lol
Tania says
Thank you Kalina!
Mindy says
Easy, quick, and so tasty! Will definitely add this one to my summer recipes. We served it with fresh salmon.
Kayla says
This was great. Next time I’m going to add more basil and probably a protein. We will definitely be eating this a lot In our house.