Basil and Tomato Pasta
Basil and Tomato Pasta
Unico crushed tomatoes and passata simmer with garlic, rosemary and sun-dried tomato paste into a quick, fragrant sauce for farfalle, finished with torn basil.
Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 25 minutes
What Is Basil and Tomato Pasta?
A simple pantry pasta: crushed tomatoes and passata are simmered with garlic and sun-dried tomato paste into a rich sauce, then finished with plenty of fresh basil.
Why Make Basil and Tomato Pasta?
- Made from pantry staples, any time of year
- Rich tomato flavour from very few ingredients
- Naturally vegetarian
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- Sun-dried tomato paste adds depth to a quick sauce
Unico Products Used in This Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (796 ml)
- 1 cup passata
- 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato paste
- 12 fresh basil leaves (plus extra to garnish)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 350 g farfalle
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-low heat; add the garlic and rosemary and cook gently for 2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, passata and sun-dried tomato paste and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens; remove the rosemary.
- Meanwhile, cook the farfalle in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes, until cooked through but still with bite; reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain.
- Tear the basil leaves into the sauce and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the farfalle through the sauce, loosening it with a little of the pasta water if needed, and serve topped with extra basil.
Cooking Tips
- Keep the heat low so the garlic stays golden
- Simmer uncovered so the sauce thickens
- Tear the basil rather than chopping to keep it fragrant
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce
- Farfalle's ridges catch the sauce nicely
Frequently Asked Questions About Basil and Tomato Pasta
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1. Why use both crushed tomatoes and passata?
Crushed tomatoes give the sauce body and passata makes it smooth and silky; together they cook into a rich sauce in about 15 minutes.
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2. What pasta works best here?
Short shapes like farfalle, fusilli or penne hold this chunky sauce well, but any pasta works.
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3. Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it's vegetarian as written. Check your packaged ingredients if needed.
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4. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water.
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5. Can I add protein?
Stir in white beans or chick peas, or top with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Cooking Guides & Tips
- Fresh vs Dried Pasta: When to Use Each When fresh pasta beats dried and vice versa — texture, sauces and convenience.
- How to Cook Pasta Perfectly Every Time
- Choosing the Right Pasta Shape for Your Sauce
Basil and Tomato Pasta Made Simple
Basil and Tomato Pasta turns a can of Unico crushed tomatoes and a little passata into a rich, fragrant sauce in about half an hour. Tossed with Unico farfalle, it's an easy weeknight meal any time of year.