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PastaItalian

Tomato Basil Parmesan Pasta

This recipe is built for a night when you need something clear, simple, and reliable. The sauce starts with garlic and canned tomatoes, then parmesan and a little pasta water make it cling to the noodles so every bite tastes balanced instead of watery.

Total time: 30 min
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Published March 9, 2026
Finished Tomato Basil Parmesan Pasta plated for serving

Method

Cook the dish

This tomato basil parmesan pasta turns canned tomatoes and dry pasta into a real dinner with very little fuss. Basil and parmesan make the sauce taste fresh and finished without adding much extra work.

  1. 1

    Boil the water

    Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a full boil over high heat while you start the sauce.

  2. 2

    Warm the oil

    Set a large saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.

  3. 3

    Cook the garlic

    Stir the garlic into the warm oil for about 30 seconds, until it smells fragrant.

  4. 4

    Simmer the tomatoes

    Pour the crushed tomatoes into the saucepan, add 1 teaspoon of the salt and the black pepper, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring a few times, until the sauce thickens slightly. Lower the heat to low to keep the sauce warm while the pasta cooks.

  5. 5

    Cook the pasta

    Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water, then add the pasta to the pot and stir once so the noodles do not stick together. Keep the pasta boiling until it is tender with a slight bite in the center, using the package time as a guide.

  6. 6

    Reserve the pasta water

    Scoop 1 cup of the pasta water into a heat-safe mug or measuring cup.

  7. 7

    Drain the pasta

    Drain the pasta in a colander and shake it once to remove the extra water.

  8. 8

    Add the pasta

    Add the drained pasta to the saucepan and stir until the noodles are fully coated in the tomato sauce.

  9. 9

    Finish the sauce

    Add the parmesan and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, then stir until the cheese melts and the sauce clings to the pasta. Add more pasta water a little at a time if the sauce looks too thick.

  10. 10

    Add the basil and serve

    Turn off the heat and stir in the basil. Serve the pasta right away while the sauce is still glossy, with extra parmesan on the table if you want it.

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