Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan Shavings is the essence of simple Italian cooking — fresh, vibrant, and full of soul. This dish brings together tender pasta tossed in a light yet flavorful tomato and olive oil sauce, infused with aromatic garlic and fresh basil. Finished with delicate shavings of Parmesan cheese, it’s a celebration of simplicity where each ingredient shines.

It’s the kind of meal that reminds you how beautiful uncomplicated food can be — quick to prepare, comforting to eat, and elegant enough to serve to guests.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the authentic Italian philosophy of cooking — using minimal, high-quality ingredients to create extraordinary flavor. The sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the perfume of basil, and the salty richness of Parmesan come together harmoniously. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels special but requires almost no effort.

The aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil, the freshness of basil, and the glossy, ruby-red sauce coating the pasta — it’s pure comfort and sophistication in one bowl.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s a timeless Italian classic that highlights freshness and balance rather than heaviness. It’s light yet satisfying, affordable, and quick to make — ready in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for anyone who loves Mediterranean flavors or wants to elevate a simple pasta dinner into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s vegetarian and can easily be customized to suit any palate.

Preparation and Cooking Details

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: Italian / Mediterranean
Course: Main Course / Lunch / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, linguine, or penne
Salt, for boiling water

For the Tomato Basil Sauce:

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 (14 oz / 400 g) can crushed or diced tomatoes (or 3 fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped)
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)
½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

For Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves
Parmesan shavings
Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook the pasta until al dente and set aside.
In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings; simmer until thickened.
Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, fresh basil, and Parmesan.
Serve warm, topped with Parmesan shavings and basil.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Basil Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant (do not brown).
Stir in crushed tomatoes (or fresh chopped ones) and tomato paste if using.
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Stir in fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick — it helps bind everything beautifully.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls.
Garnish with Parmesan shavings, a drizzle of olive oil, and extra basil leaves.

How to Serve

Serve this pasta warm as a main course. Pair it with:

Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
A simple green salad or Caprese salad
A glass of white wine (like Pinot Grigio) or red (like Chianti)

This dish also works wonderfully as a side for grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use good-quality olive oil and Parmesan — they make a big difference in flavor.
Always cook pasta in well-salted water; it enhances the overall taste.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for a hint of tanginess.
Toss pasta with the sauce for a minute or two before serving — this helps the flavors meld.
For a heartier dish, mix in grilled shrimp, chicken, or roasted veggies.

Variations

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta: Add ¼ cup of cream or ricotta for a luxurious texture.
Spicy Arrabbiata Style: Increase red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Roasted Tomato Version: Roast cherry tomatoes in olive oil and garlic, then toss with pasta.
Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Use your preferred pasta type for dietary needs.
Vegan Option: Skip Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the tomato basil sauce (without the pasta) for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent dryness.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Vegetable peeler (for Parmesan shavings)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes! Cherry tomatoes give a sweeter, fresher flavor. Simply roast or sauté them before adding to the sauce.

Q2: How do I make it more filling?
You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.

Q3: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely — the tomato basil sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just reheat before tossing with pasta.

Q4: How can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.

Q5: What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fettuccine work best as they hold the sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan Shavings is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. It’s elegant, aromatic, and comforting — everything you want from an Italian meal.

The sweetness of tomatoes, freshness of basil, and salty Parmesan create a symphony of taste that delights every palate. Whether it’s a quick weekday dinner or a weekend treat, this dish proves that less truly is more when cooking from the heart.