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Simple Tomato Basil Pasta Lunch Recipe

Simple Tomato Basil Pasta Lunch Recipe

The **Simple Tomato Basil Pasta Lunch Recipe** is your go-to solution for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying midday meal, proving that delicious doesn't have to be complicated.
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Minutes 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, penne, or farfalle work wonderfully)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped , plus extra for garnish
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or pot

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta completely.
    1 pound pasta of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, penne, or farfalle work wonderfully)
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
    2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, minced
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
    1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
  4. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. The starchy water helps to create a smooth, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
    1 pound pasta of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, penne, or farfalle work wonderfully)
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil slightly, releasing its fresh, aromatic essence into the sauce.
    1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the Simple Tomato Basil Pasta Lunch Recipe immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
    1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Notes

This recipe is incredibly useful for busy weeknights or anyone seeking a vibrant, plant-based meal that comes together in minutes.