Margherita pasta is the easiest fresh pasta dish! With juicy tomatoes, sweet basil, and spaghetti, this 20 minute dinner is ideal for busy nights.
Recipe Inspiration
This easy Margherita pasta was inspired by pizza Margherita. The fresh flavor of the pizza can easily be turned into a pasta sauce, and it is delicious!
Margherita pizza was originally created to showcase the colors of the Italian flag with red from tomatoes, green from basil, and white from cheese.
This pasta margherita has all of those colors from the classic pizza and is so good! It's a delicious summer meal and especially delicious during the peak of tomato season, when ripe tomatoes are perfect. I love serving this dish outside on the patio with a glass of white wine. Yum!
If you're looking for other pasta recipes, check out our Creamy Pesto Pasta, Lemon Ricotta Pasta, and Pasta Fresca recipes.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
Delicious - This recipe is so delicious. Each bite is packed with flavor that your family will truly love! It's really a perfect dish for the whole family. Great for entertaining too!
Approachable - This recipe is approachable and is easy to make. You only need a few kitchen tools to make this great recipe.
Leftover Friendly - This Margherita pasta is perfect reheated the next day or an excellent options for meal prep! I recommend serving with tender chicken.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Spaghetti - Regular or thin spaghetti, whichever you prefer! You can also use other pasta shapes in this recipe like penne pasta, cavatappi.
- Olive Oil - You can use regular or extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
- Cherry Tomatoes - Cut in half. You can also use Roma tomatoes or any other fresh tomatoes you have on hand.
- Garlic - Fresh garlic cloves, minced.
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- White Balsamic
- Fresh Basil - Basil leaves make this dish! I love the burst of freshness. You can also top with any other fresh herbs that you love.
- Parmesan Cheese - For serving. You can also use fresh mozzarella balls as well!
Directions
Let's make this easy recipe together!
Step 1
Heat a large pot over salted, boiling water. Cook spaghetti until al dente on package directions, about 7 minutes.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and tomatoes and cook tomatoes for 3 minutes.
Step 3
Add garlic, salt, black pepper, and white balsamic to the tomatoes. Simmer until the pasta is done cooking.
Step 4
Add cooked pasta directly to the pan with tongs and toss. If the sauce is dry, add some pasta water to loosen it and create a saucier consistency.
Step 5
Top with fresh basil and cheese and serve.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Saute Pan - I have this saute pan and absolutely love it. I definitely recommending investing in a good saute pan for a variety of delicious recipes!
Pasta Bowl - I love serving this in a large bowl and serving family style. Check out this pasta serving bowl!
Tongs - Transferring pasta to the sauce with tongs is key in this recipe because it will also transfer the perfect amount of pasta water to create a sauce. These tongs are my go-to - I have three pairs in my kitchen!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy Margherita pasta recipe.
Make it Spicy - Add spicy red pepper flakes in step 3 for a hint of spice.
Make it Creamy - Add in rich ricotta cheese, cream cheese, or cream to step 3 to make this sauce creamy.
Bake it - Add the pasta and tomatoes to a baking dish and top with fresh mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese melts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pasta margherita contains spaghetti, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil - all flavors for the Margherita pizza, but in pasta form!
Margherita means flavors of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil, and mozzarella cheese - these were served on the first Margherita pizza.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Check out some of our other easy recipes!
Margherita Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white balsamic
- 2 cups basil
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over salted boiling water. Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 7 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and cherry tomatoes. Cook tomatoes for 3 minutes
- Add garlic, salt, black pepper, and balsamic to the tomatoes. Simmer until pasta is done cooking.
- Add cooked pasta to pan with tongs and toss. If sauce is dry, add some pasta water to loosen it and create a saucier consistency.
- Top with basil and cheese and serve.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Michelle says
Saw this on Instagram and knew I had to make it. SO delish!
Christina Musgrave says
So glad you enjoyed!
FresnoCook says
I made this and did purchase the fresh herbs but can you use dried or herbs instead? It cost me more than half the price of all else just for fresh herbs. It was very good with the fresh but I had to go to several places besides to get the herbs. Growing them myself is not an option right now.
Christina Musgrave says
I definitely recommend fresh since fresh basil is just so good - but you can absolutely use dried basil or dried savory seasoning/any dried herbs you prefer in the recipe!