Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Aug. 8, 2025
My family looks forward to this fresh tomato basil pasta every summer when the tomatoes are extra sweet. This no-cook sauce is so simple, but the flavor is always spot-on. It’s bright, fresh, and deliciously healthy.
In This Article
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Amy’s Notes
This Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta is my kind of easy summer recipe. It’s bright, flavorful, and takes hardly any effort to throw together.
- No-Cook Sauce, Big Flavor: The tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil come together into a super fresh, garlicky sauce that tastes way more complex than it really is. It reminds me of this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta.
- Perfect for Warm Days: I love that I don’t need to turn on the stove for anything but the pasta. It keeps my kitchen cool and still delivers a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for summers, like my Pasta Primavera.
- Flexible and Forgiving: I’ve used cherry tomatoes, heirlooms, and even a mix of whatever’s on hand. It always works. Same goes for the pasta.
- Even Better the Next Day: Leftovers hold up really well. I have it for lunch, straight from the fridge as a cold pasta salad sometimes.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh Tomatoes – Use the sweetest variety of fresh tomatoes you can find, as chopped fresh tomatoes create the base of this no-cook sauce.
- Garlic – Use freshly minced raw garlic, as it infuses the sauce with bold flavor that mellows slightly as it sits with the tomatoes.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Not only is it healthy, but olive oil prevents pasta from sticking and helps the tomato juices form a silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Fresh Basil – Use freshly chopped basil. It brings classic Italian flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and garlic.
- Parmesan Cheese – I prefer to freshly grate my own parmesan cheese from a high quality block. Try to avoid pre-grated parmesan if you can, as fresh cheese makes a difference!
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Tomato Options: Any ripe, juicy variety works well. Use heirloom, cherry, grape, Roma, or a mix of your favorite sweet tomatoes.
- Garlic Variations: Raw garlic gives the sauce its bold kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, use roasted garlic instead.
- Cheese Choices: You can also use pecorino romano for a sharper bite or toss in some freshly shredded mozzarella.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Combine chopped tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper and let sit for 30–40 minutes at room temperature. This resting time allows the tomatoes to release their juices and the flavors to meld into a fresh, no-cook sauce.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain without rinsing. Keeping the pasta hot and unrinsed helps it better absorb the fresh tomato sauce.
- Add chopped basil to the tomato mixture and toss gently to combine. Stirring the basil in at the end preserves its bright flavor and color.
- Toss the warm pasta with the tomato mixture, sprinkle with parmesan, and toss again before serving. Finishing with cheese adds richness and helps bind everything together.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Make the Tomato Mixture Ahead: You can prep the tomato mixture up to one day in advance. Store covered in the fridge, then let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before adding basil and tossing with pasta.
What To Serve with Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta
Protein
- We love pairing this fresh pasta with juicy Grilled Chicken Breast or quick-cooked 10-Minute Garlic Shrimp. Both options add satisfying protein without overpowering the delicate tomato-basil flavors.
Bread
- Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta is perfect with warm slices of Rosemary Garlic Bread or classic Olive Garden Breadsticks on the side.
- If you’re craving something richer, Garlic Cheese Bread brings extra flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Salads and Veggies
- Add a crisp Chopped Greek Salad or a Kale Brussels Sprouts Salad with honey mustard dressing to brighten the plate.
- For something warm, serve it with a side of Easy Roasted Vegetables or a bowl of Air Fryer Broccoli to keep things simple and healthy.
Did you make this?
Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!
Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta
This Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta is simply out of this world. This no-cook sauce is super fresh and deliciously healthy!
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups fresh tomatoes, chopped, any sweet variety
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ cup basil, freshly chopped
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 lb pasta of your choice
Instructions
- In a serving bowl, toss together the tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to combine well. Let sit for flavors to meld and juices to develop, 30-40 minutes at room temp.
- Cook pasta to desired tenderness, according to package instructions. Drain, but do not rinse.
- Add basil to the tomato mixture. Toss fresh tomato sauce with hot pasta.
- Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese, lightly toss, and serve.
Notes
- Use the ripest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor. Sweet, juicy varieties like vine-ripened, heirloom, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully.
- Let the tomato mixture sit for at least 30–40 minutes. This gives the garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper time to infuse the tomatoes and develop their juices into a flavorful sauce.
- Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces so they mix evenly into the pasta and are easy to eat.
- If you have leftovers, cover tightly and chill. It’s delicious the next day, as a cold pasta dish!
- This recipe is part of our Healthy Italian Recipes Collection.
- Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta is perfect with warm slices of Rosemary Garlic Bread or classic Olive Garden Breadsticks on the side.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 765mg | Potassium: 620mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1714IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 239mg | Iron: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No need to peel! The tomato skins add texture and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
What kind of pasta works best?
Any pasta works well, from angel hair to bowties to penne. Use whatever shape of pasta you have on hand.
Is it really okay to leave the tomato mixture out at room temp for 40 minutes?
Yes. The acid from the tomatoes and the salt help preserve it during that short time. Just make sure it’s not sitting out in a very warm space for too long.
How long does this pasta keep?
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy it cold or gently warmed.
More to Cook And Eat
- Chicken Florentine Pasta – Chicken Florentine Pasta is a truly tasty pasta dish is deliciously simple. Bonus: it’s packed with nutrition.
- Creamy Avocado Pasta – This pasta has all you’d want in a creamy-sauced pasta dish, minus the cream. No cream. Just pure avocado bliss. It’s rich, smooth, and light all at the same time.
- Pasta Primavera – This Pasta Primavera is everything a spring or summer dinner needs: it’s light on calories, big on flavor, and bursting with colorful seasonal vegetables.
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta – Shrimp Scampi Pasta is loaded with garlic, lemon, and basil with plenty of succulent shrimp. This recipe is easy, irresistible, and the perfect spring dinner.