If you ever find yourself staring blankly into your pantry wondering what to make for dinner, this Easy Pantry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a delightful blend of simple, shelf-stable ingredients that come together quickly and effortlessly, creating a dish that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. This recipe is like a warm hug on a busy night, light enough to feel fresh but hearty enough to be satisfying—and it’s perfect for anyone who loves a fuss-free, vegetarian meal that can easily be made vegan. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your go-to dinners for its ease, taste, and cozy comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s amazing about this recipe is that it relies on very simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each item plays an essential role: from the olive oil giving it richness, to the garlic adding that subtle aromatic depth, and the tomatoes bringing in a lovely acidity and sweetness. The fresh basil adds a burst of herbaceous brightness that truly lifts this dish to something special.
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine): Pick your favorite shape; it’s the canvas for all the flavors.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: The golden, fruity lubricant that makes the sauce silky and satisfying.
- 3–4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced: Garlic breath optional, but it adds a wonderful aromatic backbone.
- 1 (14–15 oz) can diced or crushed tomatoes: The star of the sauce, lending bright, tangy tomato goodness.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the ingredients and balances flavors perfectly.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and spice.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional): Offers a touch of earthiness that complements the tomato beautifully.
- ¼–½ cup reserved pasta water: This starchy magic binder helps create that beautifully smooth sauce consistency.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried basil): Fresh basil makes all the difference in aroma and flavor, but dried can substitute in a pinch.
How to Make Easy Pantry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start with a large pot of salted water brought to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta just until al dente, following the package instructions because perfect pasta texture sets the foundation for the whole dish. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water to use later—it’s an essential secret to achieving that silky sauce everyone raves about.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
While your pasta is cooking, warm up the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the garlic and sauté for about 30 to 60 seconds until you can smell that mouthwatering garlicky aroma—but be careful not to let it brown or burn. Next, pour in the canned tomatoes along with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes so it thickens just a little and all those flavors have time to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Combine
Drain your pasta and add it right into the skillet with the tomato sauce. This is where the reserved pasta water works its magic. Toss the pasta with the sauce, adding a splash or two of the pasta water to loosen the mixture and create a glossy, velvety coating on every strand or piece. Lastly, gently stir in the fresh basil; this final touch injects an amazing herbaceous freshness that you’ll notice with the very first bite.
Step 4: Serve
Dish up your pasta straight away while it’s still warm and inviting. Don’t be shy with any optional finishes like a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a subtle complexity. Each addition elevates the dish and makes it all your own.
How to Serve Easy Pantry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your playground to add color, texture, and extra layers of flavor. Fresh basil leaves not only brighten the look but add pops of herby goodness. Grated hard cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino lends savory creaminess, while a drizzle of olive oil gives the dish an elegant sheen and lush mouthfeel. If you like a bit of zing, finishing with a touch of balsamic vinegar creates surprising depth.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines beautifully with light sides that keep the meal fresh and balanced. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, roasted vegetables add warmth and earthiness, or some crusty bread becomes the perfect vehicle to soak up any leftover sauce. You can also keep it simple with olives or marinated artichokes for a Mediterranean flair.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress family or guests? Serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with vibrant basil chiffonade and a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. Drizzle olive oil artistically around the plate or plate the pasta atop a smear of ricotta or a dollop of labneh for creaminess. For a kid-friendly twist, toss in white beans to add protein and texture while keeping it wholesome and filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta holds up really well in the fridge. Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and store up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and marry further after a little rest, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, keep in mind the fresh basil and texture of the pasta can change slightly. If you want to freeze, toss everything except the basil together, cool completely, and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Add fresh basil after reheating for the best flavor.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of water or olive oil to rejuvenate the sauce’s silky texture. Stir frequently to heat evenly without overcooking the pasta, ensuring you’re not left with a dry, sad dish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh, ripe tomatoes work wonderfully, especially in summer. Just chop them finely and simmer until you reach your desired saucy consistency. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly to allow them to break down.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! The base recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan as long as you skip or substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative. It’s a perfect dish for everyone at the table.
What type of pasta works best?
Any pasta shape you love! Spaghetti, penne, or linguine are traditional and great for holding the sauce. Feel free to experiment with whatever you have; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?
Adding a can of white beans or chickpeas tosses in a hearty plant-based protein boost without overpowering the flavor. It’s a simple way to make this dish more filling and nutritious.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You sure can! Make the tomato basil sauce a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready, reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta. This saves time on busy nights and lets the flavors develop even more.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pantry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe feels like a little celebration of simple ingredients doing truly delicious things together. It’s quick, comforting, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you have in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll love how such an effortless dish can brighten your weeknight dinners with freshness, warmth, and that irresistible Italian-inspired charm.
Print
Easy Pantry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pantry Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple, comforting dish made primarily from shelf-stable ingredients. Ready in just 20 minutes, it features al dente pasta tossed in a fragrant tomato and garlic sauce, enhanced with fresh basil and olive oil. Naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan, it’s a perfect last-minute dinner that’s light yet flavorful.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine)
Sauce
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1 (14–15 oz) can diced or crushed tomatoes
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
- ¼–½ cup reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried basil)
Optional Finishes
- Grated Parmesan or Pecorino
- Extra drizzle of olive oil
- Splash of balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Build the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to brown the garlic. Stir in the canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and oregano (if using). Simmer the sauce for 5–8 minutes to allow it to slightly thicken.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture. Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and finish with optional toppings such as grated Parmesan, an extra drizzle of olive oil, or additional fresh basil. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- To add protein, stir in canned white beans or chickpeas.
- For more Mediterranean flavor, add olives or capers.
- A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
- Emulsify the olive oil, tomato sauce, and pasta water by tossing vigorously to achieve a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
