Real Homemade Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Simple, fresh pasta tossed with ripe tomatoes, basil, and pecorino, made with no canned ingredients for an authentic Italian taste. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs ounces fresh spaghetti, large, diced ripe tomatoes, torn fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 12 ounces fresh spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente (taste for firmness), reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic turns golden (do not brown).
  3. Step 3: Add diced tomatoes to the skillet, cook for 5 minutes until they break down into a saucy consistency and the oil separates slightly.
  4. Step 4: Toss drained spaghetti into the skillet with the tomato mixture, adding 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, and toss for 2 minutes until the sauce clings to the pasta and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup torn fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, then season with salt and black pepper until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes glossy.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Real Homemade Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Real Homemade Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ounces fresh spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Real Homemade Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Real Homemade Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Real Homemade Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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