Created on January 31st, 2026 at 12:13 pm
An easy and comforting pasta made for everyday meals
A simple pasta dinner with fresh ingredients is often the most satisfying kind of meal. It does not rely on complicated techniques or long ingredient lists. Instead, it focuses on good flavors, thoughtful preparation, and the comfort that comes from cooking something familiar at home. This recipe is built for evenings when you want a real dinner without stress.
Fresh ingredients play the leading role here. Ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, olive oil, and tender pasta come together in a way that feels natural and balanced. The result is a pasta dinner that tastes clean and comforting at the same time, perfect for weeknights, relaxed family meals, or quiet evenings at home.
Quick Facts
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: serves 4
Kitchen Utensils
Keeping the process simple makes this dinner easy to repeat.
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Large skillet or wide pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
Why Fresh Ingredients Matter in Simple Pasta Dinners
When a recipe is simple, ingredient quality becomes more important. Fresh tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil provide flavor without needing heavy sauces or extra seasoning.
In Italian inspired cooking, simple pasta dinners often rely on freshness rather than complexity. Each ingredient has space to shine, which creates a dish that feels intentional and satisfying without effort.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Dinner
- Short pasta such as penne or rigatoni
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh ripe tomatoes
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
- Fresh parsley
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional Additions
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh mozzarella
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
This simple pasta dinner comes together quickly and benefits from gentle cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add chopped fresh tomatoes to the pan and season with salt.
- Cook gently until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the tomatoes.
- Toss gently, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Stir in fresh herbs and season with black pepper.
- Remove from heat and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
Using ripe tomatoes makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
If tomatoes are out of season, high quality canned tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
Fresh herbs should be added at the end to preserve their aroma.
Storage & Make Ahead
This pasta dinner is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil to restore texture.
What Makes This Pasta Dinner So Comforting
The comfort of this dish comes from its familiarity. Pasta, tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs create flavors that feel timeless.
There is no heavy sauce to overwhelm the ingredients, allowing each element to contribute naturally.
How This Dish Fits Into Italian Home Cooking
Italian home cooking often focuses on everyday meals rather than elaborate dishes. Simple pasta dinners like this are common because they are reliable and nourishing.
This recipe reflects that philosophy by keeping preparation straightforward and flavors balanced.
Serving Ideas for Everyday Dinners
Serve this pasta with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
A small bowl of grated cheese at the table allows everyone to customize their plate.
Why This Recipe Works for Weeknights
This dinner comes together quickly and does not require constant attention.
Because most ingredients are pantry or fridge staples, it is easy to prepare without planning ahead.
A Pasta Dish That Encourages Mindful Eating
Simple dishes encourage slower eating. Without overpowering flavors, each bite can be enjoyed fully.
This pasta dinner supports that experience by staying balanced and gentle.
How Fresh Ingredients Change the Experience
Fresh ingredients add brightness and texture that cannot be replicated with shortcuts.
They make the dish feel lighter and more satisfying, even with a small ingredient list.
Making It Your Own Over Time
As you return to this recipe, you may adjust herbs, add vegetables, or include cheese.
Those small changes allow the dish to evolve while remaining familiar.
A Dinner Worth Returning To
This simple pasta dinner with fresh ingredients is the kind of recipe that becomes a regular part of your routine.
Its ease, comfort, and flexibility make it a dependable choice for everyday cooking.
FAQ
Can I make this pasta dinner ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated gently for another meal.
What pasta shape works best?
Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the tomatoes and olive oil well.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken or chickpeas can be added without overpowering the flavors.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Reserve some pasta water and add a splash when tossing to keep it silky.
Is this dish suitable for beginners?
Yes, the steps are simple and forgiving, making it ideal for new cooks.
Simple Pasta Dinner With Fresh Ingredients
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or wide pan
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
For the Pasta Dinner
- 12 oz short pasta penne or rigatoni
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for serving if needed
- 2 cups fresh ripe tomatoes chopped, seeds drained if very watery
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil torn or thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp salt plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
Optional Additions
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or diced
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes optional, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously so the pasta is seasoned from the inside. Add the pasta and cook until just tender, stirring occasionally so it does not stick.
- While the pasta cooks, prep the fresh ingredients. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and mince the garlic. Tear the basil and chop the parsley so they are ready to add at the end.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let it brown, as browned garlic can taste bitter.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and season with a pinch of salt. Cook gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. The goal is a light, fresh sauce, not a long simmered sauce.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta in a colander and let it sit for 30 seconds so excess water drips off.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss gently to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water, 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, to help the olive oil and tomato juices cling to the pasta and create a silky finish.
- Season with black pepper and taste. Add more salt if needed. If using red pepper flakes, stir them in now for gentle heat.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the basil and parsley. Fresh herbs taste brightest when added at the end, and they keep the dish light and aromatic.
- If using mozzarella, fold it in gently while the pasta is still warm so it softens slightly without fully melting. Serve immediately. Add Parmesan at the table and finish with a small drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
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