Tomato and Basil Pasta

5 from 5 votes
9 Comments

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This fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta is an all time favorite dish in our family. We eat this all summer long when we have ripe tomatoes from the garden.

Close up of Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta in a black bowl.
Featured with this recipe
  1. Ingredients in Tomato and Basil Pasta
  2. Some Variations To Try
  3. Serve It On The Side
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Perfect Pasta
  6. How to Make Tomato and Basil Pasta
  7. Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

This fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta is the perfect solution to using up those extra garden tomatoes. When the first tomatoes come on in the summer, this is the FIRST thing we will make. This pasta is a little different than your traditional hot pastas because you dice the tomatoes and mozzarella, marinate them in a delicious red wine vinegar and olive oil mixture, and serve it cold over hot/warm pasta. It also tastes great the next day when all the flavors have had time to set. We are crazy about it.

Ingredients in Tomato and Basil Pasta

  • Tomatoes
  • Fresh basil
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Extra Virgin olive oil
  • Minced garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Some Variations To Try

This is also the perfect mixture to serve over a baguette and serve as bruschetta. Instead of using red wine vinegar, use balsamic and the flavor is out of this world. Using fresh basil with this recipe is best, but you can use dried basil and it will still be good. We just like to use as many fresh ingredients from the garden as possible. We have also used cherry tomatoes in place of regular-sized and it is wonderful. I especially love using the “sun gold” variety. We always seem to get more cherry tomatoes than what we know what to do with and this is a great way to use them up.

If you are looking for a delicious, light summer meal you definitely want to give this Tomato and Basil Pasta a try! I’m sure it’s in my husband’s top five favorite foods. Every time we make it for guests or Summer BBQs we get rave reviews and everyone asking for the recipe. It is a light, fresh dish that is full of flavor. You are going to love it! If you are looking for more delicious pasta recipes, try our Baked Feta Pasta!

Serve It On The Side

This dish makes a great full meal, or you can serve it on the side of a delicious Instant Pot Chicken Breast to add a little more protein to your plate. Or, as we mentioned above, pair it with some great French bread. You can even add a little Herbed Butter to the bread for a special treat.

If you are new to growing garden tomatoes and want to learn some of our BEST tomato growing tips, check out our guide to growing tomatoes in your own backyard with tips and tricks!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare fresh basil for cooking?

Fresh basil leaves can be washed and patted dry before using. Sometimes, people will cut the stems off, or tear the leaves off the stems, and then cut up or rip up the leaves, depending on what you are using the leaves for.

Are tomatoes good for you?

All tomatoes, from grape tomatoes to big beef, are really good for you! In addition to Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, tomatoes have an antioxidant in them called lycopene, which is studied and thought to have anticancer properties as well as play a role in skin health.

Read More:35+ Quick and Easy To Follow Dinner Ideas Your Family Will Surely Love

Perfect Pasta

I could eat pasta for every dinner! And why not? It’s easy and versatile! As different as they are delicious, here are some of my favorite pasta dinners to keep the pasta love going:

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Summer Skillet Pasta with Chicken

Chicken Artichoke Pasta

Light Greek Pasta Salad

How to Make Tomato and Basil Pasta

Close up of Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta in a black bowl.

Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta

5 from 5 votes
This Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta is an all time favorite dish in our family. We eat this all summer long when we have ripe tomatoes from the garden.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Refrigerate 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Video

Ingredients

In a large bowl mix together:

  • 6 large tomatoes diced
  • 10 sprigs of fresh basil finely chopped
  • fresh mozzarella cheese cubed (I have them slice it thick at the deli, then it’s easier to cube)
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Let this mixture marinade in the fridge for at least 3 hours then serve cold over your favorite hot pasta. It is a really flavorful and fresh meal you will love!

For Bruschetta:

  • Exchange red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar and serve over sliced baguette bread. Yum!

Notes

Nutrition does not include pasta or baguette.
Garnish with red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. 
Although we served this tomato basil pasta recipe over spaghetti, it doesn’t have to be! Any cooked pasta (remember to boil to al dente) like a penne pasta, would be perfect as well. Also, this doesn’t just have to be a pasta dish! It is also served deliciously over a baguette. 
Keep your creation in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, take out and let it either come to room temperature or enjoy right away, but either way, toss or stir to redistribute the sauces that may have settled. 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 299mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1060IUVitamin C: 17.1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.5mg

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About the author

Emily Walker

Emily lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Beau, a physician assistant, and her three incredible children: a son and two daughters. Travel is one of her favorite ways to experience new cultures and cuisines, and she has a love for all things Disney.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    The absolute perfect summer pasta – with basil and tomatoes fresh from the garden this is absolutely delicious!

  2. I make something from your blog at least once, usually more, a week! Love what you do. Thanks for sharing!!!

  3. I absolutely LOVE this recipe! I can’t get enough of it! It is THE BEST with home-grown tomatoes! We made it all the time last summer. Thanks for posting this, Ems. That bread looks awesome too!