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Fresh No-Cook Burst Tomato Pasta Easy Recipe with Garlic and Basil

fresh no-cook burst tomato pasta - featured image

A quick and easy no-cook burst tomato pasta with garlic and basil that is fresh, vibrant, and perfect for busy days or summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 200g (7 oz) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 300g (10 oz) burst tomatoes, washed and halved
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan or Pecorino for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts (4 liters) of water.
  2. While the water heats, rinse the burst tomatoes and halve them carefully to release their juices. Thinly slice the garlic cloves and roughly tear the basil leaves.
  3. Add the pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes for spaghetti. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. While pasta cooks, combine the tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently so the tomatoes start to release their juices. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Once pasta is al dente, reserve about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  6. Add the pasta to the bowl with the tomato mixture immediately while still hot. Toss everything gently but thoroughly. If the sauce seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Serve immediately. Top with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino if desired.

Notes

Do not over-toss or press the tomatoes to keep the burst texture. Salt pasta water generously. Use fresh basil for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Serve immediately for best freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-cook pasta, burst tomato pasta, garlic basil pasta, quick pasta recipe, summer pasta, fresh tomato sauce