Go Back
–+ servings
Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce
This Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce is a celebration of ripe summer tomatoes and simple pantry staples. It's a rustic Italian-inspired dish where vine-ripened tomatoes are peeled, seeded, and gently simmered with garlic, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of tomato paste to concentrate the flavor. Finished with fresh basil and Parmesan, this pasta is a weeknight favorite for its brightness, simplicity, and wholesome ingredients. It's a delicious way to enjoy tomatoes at their peak with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 288 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 7 tomatoes (medium, ripe, peeled, seeded, and cut into small pieces (approx. 3 cups))
  • 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped )
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan (grated )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook Pasta

  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions.
  • Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Start Sauce Base

  • While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and cook about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Add Tomato Ingredients

  • Add chopped tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and tomato paste.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Finish Sauce

  • Stir in remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and chopped fresh basil.
  • Let simmer another minute or so.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

  • Place pasta in a large bowl.
  • Pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat.
  • Top with grated Parmesan and serve immediately.

Tips

  • Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter flavor and less prep work.
  • Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Swap basil for parsley or oregano for a different herb profile.
  • For protein, add sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken before serving.
  • Make it vegan by skipping the Parmesan or using a plant-based substitute.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 9gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 93mgPotassium: 419mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 928IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1mg
Keyword from scratch, pasta, summer, tomatoes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!