Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
Updated May 20, 2025, Published Jul 17, 2020
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Say hello to your new favorite no-cook summer pasta! This fresh tomato basil pasta (salsa fresca) bursts with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic—all marinated in rich olive oil for a simple and flavorful sauce. It’s rustic, refreshing, and ready in minutes!
Try my burst cherry tomato pasta and fresh tomato marinara sauce next time!
Why you’ll love this family favorite!
In Italian, salsa fresca means “fresh sauce.” This is a no-cook, summer favorite that brings out the best in fresh garden tomatoes. The juicy tomatoes are marinated with basil and garlic in olive oil to create a light, flavorful sauce that you can enjoy warm or cold—it tastes even better the next day!
I call this the “KISS” sauce—Keep It Simple Sauce. Let the fresh, quality ingredients shine. Rustic, easy, and purely delicious. Once you try it, you’ll be smitten too! Kids and adults love this easy pasta recipe.
Made With AmorE,
Recipe Ingredients
- Tomatoes (cherry, Roma, garden, or heirloom), diced
- Garlic cloves, thinly slivered
- Fresh basil, torn by hand
- Good quality extra virgin olive oil
- Balasamic vinegar
- Your favorite pasta (spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or penne)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Salt for pasta water
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap cherry tomatoes with diced Roma or heirloom tomatoes.
- Add fresh mozzarella, burrata, or grated Parmigiano (parmesan cheese) for creaminess.
- Toss in capers, olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
- Mix in a handful of arugula or baby spinach for a peppery bite.
- Try with gluten-free pasta or whole wheat for dietary preferences.
What Tomatoes Are Best For Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce?
Any ripe, fragrant, juicy tomato will do for this fresh tomato basil pasta dish. The juices of the tomatoes will create a delicious sauce when mixed with the olive oil. It is a simple meal that requires only a few ingredients to let the in-season, ripe tomatoes shine.
- Roma Tomatoes
- Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes of any kind (simply cut in half)
- Beefsteak
- Plum
- Campari
How to Make Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce
The recipe card below provides a complete list of measurements and instructions. In a large serving bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. Stir gently, cover with plastic wrap, and let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
My Pro Tip
Table of Contents
- Recipe Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- What Tomatoes Are Best For Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce?
- How to Make Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce
- Recipe Tips
- FAQ’s
- Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Do I Have to Refrigerate the Sauce?
- Serving Suggestions
- More Italian Recipes
- More Italian Pasta Recipes
- Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Recipe Tips
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor—garden or heirloom variety.
- Don’t refrigerate the tomato mixture right away—letting it sit at room temp helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Generously salt your pasta water—it’s the only chance to season the pasta.
- Tear the basil by hand to avoid bruising and preserve its fresh aroma.
- Toss pasta while it’s still warm so it absorbs the flavorful olive oil and tomato juices.
FAQ’s
Use about 10–12 peeled and chopped fresh tomatoes to replace a 28 oz can. For raw sauces, no peeling is needed—just dice and season well.
Not for a raw sauce like this! If you’re cooking them down, peeling is optional but creates a smoother texture.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
You can make the tomato basil mixture up to 1 day ahead—store it covered in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before tossing with pasta.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or let sit at room temperature before serving. No need to reheat!
Do I Have to Refrigerate the Sauce?
If you’re serving the pasta within a few hours, there’s no need to refrigerate the sauce—just let it marinate at room temperature.
For making ahead, yes—store the tomato mixture in the fridge (up to 1 day), then bring it back to room temp before serving to let the flavors shine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fresh pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp for an added protein boost.
More Italian Recipes
- Baked Zucchini and Tomatoes Bruschetta
- Italian Stuffed Zucchini (Twice Baked Zucchini)
- Sautéed Zucchini and Onion (Italian Recipe)
- Italian Style Pasta Salad Recipe (with Arugula)
- Lemon Asparagus Ricotta Pasta
- Salsa Verde
More Italian Pasta Recipes
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Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pints tomatoes (cherry, roma, garden, or heirloom variety), diced, 560 grams
- 2-4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh basil, torn by hand
- 1 cup good quality olive oil, more if needed
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 package package good quality pasta
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Salt for cooking pasta
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Stir to combine, Cover with plastic wrap and leave on the counter for 30 min and up to 2 hour.
- Bring a large pot of water to salted water to boil. Salt pasta water generously (about 10 grams of salt per liter of water). Cook pasta according to package until ‘al dente’. Add salt and pepper to the tomatoes right before serving.
- Drain pasta and toss with the marinated tomatoes. Serve warm or cold. Great as leftovers!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is delicious and lovely. I never Would have imagined that these simple ingredients marred together could change sauce as I knew It. I let mine sit for 2 hours and I think that’s when the magic happened. Love it!!!
Yes! So simple and delicious! You may also love the panzanella salad recipe.
This is an easy delicious meal when I want something light and easy. It takes no time at all. I like this one especially in the summer!