Go Back
+ servings
tomato basil pasta with cheese
Print Recipe
4.91 from 11 votes

Tomato Basil Pasta

This fresh Tomato Basil Pasta is the ultimate summertime dinner! It comes together in just 20 minutes, and it's packed with bursting cherry tomato flavors, fragrant basil, and creamy burrata cheese.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 362kcal
Author: Tania

Equipment

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.
 
Substitutions and variations:
  • 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.
 
Nutritional values (per serving) are approximates only.

Nutrition

Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 472mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 887IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg