No-Cook Summer Pasta Sauce
This is the No-Cook Summer Pasta Sauce you will make all summer. Juicy Campari tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil marinate together until the flavors marry.
Then hot pasta goes straight into the bowl, warming the tomatoes just enough to create the dreamiest, freshest sauce. Finish with Parmesan and more basil.
Why You’ll Love This No-Cook Pasta Sauce
- No cooking: just chop and marinate.
- Fresh summer flavor: juicy tomatoes and basil.
- Simple ingredients: pantry plus tomatoes.
- Better with time: let it sit longer.
No-Cook Pasta Sauce Ingredients
Campari Tomatoes
Sweet and juicy.
Garlic
Minced.
Olive Oil
Use your best.
Fresh Basil
Plus more for serving.
Pasta
High-protein spaghetti or your favorite.
Seasoning and Parmesan
Tuscan Farmhouse Blend or salt, pepper, dried basil, and parsley.
Good to Know: This sauce is vegan without the Parmesan. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
How to Make No-Cook Pasta Sauce
Step 1: Chop
Chop the tomatoes and garlic and place them in a bowl.
Step 2: Marinate
Add basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it sit at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta and toss the hot noodles into the tomato mixture.
Step 4: Finish
Top with Parmesan and more basil.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Let it sit. The longer, the tastier.
- Use ripe tomatoes. They make the sauce.
- Room temp. Don’t chill the tomatoes.
- Hot pasta. It warms the sauce.
Make It Your Own
- Burrata: Top with burrata.
- Mozzarella pearls: Add to the bowl.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes.
- Lemon: Add lemon zest.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Make the tomato mixture a few hours ahead and leave it at room temperature until dinner.
What to Serve With No-Cook Pasta Sauce
Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, a green salad, or garlic bread.
Storing and Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers for up to 2 days.
Serve: Let come to room temperature.
Freezer: Not recommended.
What People Ask About No-Cook Pasta Sauce
Can I use other tomatoes?
Yes. Cherry or heirloom tomatoes work.
How long should it marinate?
At least 30 minutes.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, a few hours ahead.
Is it served hot or cold?
Warm, from the hot pasta.
No-Cook Summer Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the Campari tomatoes and garlic, then place them into a bowl.
- Add basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry. The longer it sits, the tastier it will be.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then toss the hot noodles directly into the tomato mixture.
- Finish with Parmesan cheese and additional basil before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Letting the tomato mixture sit for longer enhances the flavor, so prepare it ahead of time if possible.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results, especially the tomatoes and olive oil.
- You can adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more dried herbs or spices.
