Name: Summer Fresh Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10oz / 300g ripe tomatoes (grape, cherry, or roma); 1 small garlic clove (grated, double if preferred); Big handful fresh basil leaves (chopped); 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 6oz / 170g spaghettini pasta or classic spaghetti; Grated parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves

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Introduction

This Summer Fresh Tomato Pasta is a light and vibrant dish perfect for warm days when juicy, ripe tomatoes are at their best. Combining simple ingredients like fresh basil and garlic, it delivers refreshing flavors in under 20 minutes. It’s an easy pasta recipe that feels both satisfying and effortlessly delicious.

A white bowl filled with cooked spaghetti pasta tangled in a light red tomato sauce, scattered with bright red cherry tomato halves and fresh green basil leaves. The pasta strands are glossy and mixed evenly with the sauce and tomatoes. Small white shreds of grated cheese are sprinkled over the top, adding texture to the soft pasta and juicy tomatoes. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a clean, simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10oz / 300g ripe tomatoes (grape, cherry, or roma tomatoes)
6oz / 170g spaghettini pasta or classic spaghetti
1 small garlic clove (double if you prefer extra garlic)
Big handful fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: grated parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the tomatoes into small cubes and place them in a large bowl. Ensure the tomatoes are ripe for the best juicy flavor.
Step 2: Chop the basil leaves and grate the garlic clove using a microplane or fine grater. Add both to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Step 3: Pour in the olive oil, season well with salt and black pepper, and stir everything together.
Step 4: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes. If short on time, 10 minutes while cooking the pasta will work.
Step 5: Boil the spaghettini in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 6: Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the bowl with the marinated tomatoes. Add the reserved pasta water and gently toss everything together to combine.
Step 7: Let the pasta sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavorful tomato juices. For a cold pasta salad, cover and refrigerate during this time or enjoy at room temperature.
Step 8: Serve topped with optional grated parmesan and extra fresh basil. Enjoy your fresh summer pasta!

Tips & Variations

Use the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find for the best sauce flavor.
If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture.
Swap spaghettini for your favorite pasta shape, like penne or fusilli, if desired.
For a vegan option, skip the parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the pasta may absorb more liquid. Reheat gently in a skillet or enjoy cold as a pasta salad.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with spaghetti pasta twisted in thin, yellow strands, mixed with bright red cherry tomato pieces scattered throughout. Fresh green basil leaves add pops of color across the dish. Finely grated white cheese is sprinkled over the pasta, adding texture contrast and light highlights. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tomato mixture ahead and refrigerate it. Toss in freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for the best texture. Alternatively, mix everything together and chill for a cold pasta salad.

What type of tomatoes works best?

Ripe grape, cherry, or roma tomatoes are ideal because they are sweet and juicy. The key is freshness to ensure a flavorful sauce with bright summer taste.