Easy Pasta Recipes With Tomatoes

Tomato-based pasta dishes are the heart of comfort food—vibrant, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a vegetarian delight, or a rustic Italian classic, tomatoes bring acidity, sweetness, and depth to any pasta. In this article, we’ll explore easy pasta recipes with tomatoes that are flavorful, budget-friendly, and perfect for all levels of home cooks. From simple garlic-tomato spaghetti to baked penne bursting with cheesy goodness, these recipes will make their way into your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Tomato Pasta Recipes

• Quick & Easy: Most recipes are ready in under 30 minutes.
• Pantry-Friendly: Uses simple, accessible ingredients.
• Customizable: Add proteins, veggies, or spice it up.
• Healthy: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Reheat beautifully for leftovers.

Featured Recipes

We’ll cover the following easy tomato pasta recipes:

1. Spaghetti with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
2. Classic Penne Arrabbiata
3. Creamy Tomato Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan
4. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
5. Baked Ziti with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella
6. Roasted Tomato Pasta with Garlic and Herbs

1. Spaghetti with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to burst.
4. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and a splash of pasta water to bring it all together.
6. Stir in fresh basil, top with Parmesan, and serve hot.

2. Classic Penne Arrabbiata

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook penne according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Season with salt, then add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve.

3. Creamy Tomato Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta of choice (fusilli or penne works well)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic.
3. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and seasonings.
5. Add pasta and toss until creamy. Use pasta water as needed.

4. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup fresh basil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients except basil.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered, stirring often.
3. Cook until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed (10-12 minutes).
4. Stir in basil and serve immediately.

5. Baked Ziti with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti and drain.
2. Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and seasoning in a bowl.
3. Combine pasta with tomato sauce and ricotta mixture.
4. Pour into a greased baking dish, top with mozzarella.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6. Roasted Tomato Pasta with Garlic and Herbs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ripe tomatoes, halved
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 12 oz spaghetti or rigatoni
• Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and oil for 25 minutes.
2. Cook pasta. Drain and toss with roasted tomatoes.
3. Finish with herbs and extra olive oil if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Recipe	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes	420	12g	60g	14g	5g
Penne Arrabbiata	410	10g	58g	13g	4g
Creamy Tomato Pasta	520	15g	56g	22g	3g
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta	430	11g	62g	10g	5g
Baked Ziti	600	20g	64g	26g	4g
Roasted Tomato Pasta	400	9g	55g	12g	6g

Values are estimates and vary by portion size and ingredients.

Pro Tips for Tomato Pasta Success

• Salt your pasta water well—it enhances the flavor of the noodles.
• Use fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for depth.
• Reserve some pasta water to help bind the sauce to the noodles.
• Roast tomatoes to intensify their natural sweetness.
• Add a protein source like grilled chicken, shrimp, or lentils for a full meal.

Variations and Add-Ons

• Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
• Extra Spicy: Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne.
• Cheesy Lovers: Stir in goat cheese, cream cheese, or fresh mozzarella.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa.
• Mediterranean: Include olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes for a briny twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes are perfect for sauces and work well year-round.

How do I make tomato pasta sauce thicker?
Simmer it longer, or add tomato paste to intensify the flavor and texture.

Can tomato pasta be frozen?
Yes. Store cooled pasta in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Which pasta shapes go best with tomato sauce?
Spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, and fusilli are excellent choices that hold sauce well.

Can I add meat or protein?
Absolutely. Ground beef, sausage, or plant-based meats can all be incorporated.

Suggested Pairings

Wine Pairings: Chianti, Pinot Noir, or Sauvignon Blanc
Side Dishes: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables
Dessert Ideas: Tiramisu, panna cotta, or a simple fruit sorbet

Conclusion

Tomato pasta is the ultimate go-to meal for cooks of all skill levels. It’s flexible, affordable, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making a creamy sauce or tossing roasted tomatoes with herbs and garlic, each of these easy pasta recipes with tomatoes brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight meals or casual entertaining, these dishes will quickly become household favorites.