A Simple and Delicious Meal
Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple yet flavorful Italian-inspired dish that celebrates the taste of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil.
This dish combines al dente pasta with a light, summery sauce made from juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and a touch of olive oil.
The tomatoes soften and release their natural sweetness, creating a fresh sauce that perfectly coats each strand of pasta.
Often topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this pasta is a delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients in a quick, easy-to-make meal that’s both light and satisfying.
- Ingredients :
12 ounces rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
A handful of fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup packed)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Preparation :
1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, but reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to help create the sauce.
2. Sauté the garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will give the dish a bitter flavor.
3. Prepare the tomatoes:
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and stir them in with the garlic and olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the tomatoes to cook for about 4-5 minutes, just until they start to soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce.
4. Combine the pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and toss everything together. If the mixture looks a bit dry, stir in a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
5. Add the basil:
Once the pasta is coated with the tomato-garlic mixture, stir in the freshly sliced basil. The heat from the pasta will gently wilt the basil, releasing its wonderful aroma.
6. Serve and garnish:
Divide the pasta into serving bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
Here are some tips to make the best Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta :
Use Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes like Roma, cherry, or heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor. They’ll give the sauce a natural sweetness and a rich texture.
Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes: Briefly cooking the tomatoes preserves their fresh taste. Sauté them until they just start to soften; this will give the sauce a light, summery quality.
Choose High-Quality Olive Oil: Since this dish is simple, quality ingredients matter. A good extra-virgin olive oil adds depth to the sauce and enhances the tomato flavor.
Add Garlic for Flavor: A few cloves of garlic, thinly sliced or minced, bring out the richness of the tomatoes without overpowering the dish.
Tear Fresh Basil by Hand: Tearing the basil instead of cutting it helps release its aroma without bruising it. Add the basil at the end to keep its bright color and flavor.
Reserve Some Pasta Water: Before draining, save a little pasta water to add back into the sauce. The starch in the water helps the sauce stick to the pasta and makes it creamy.
Finish with Parmesan or Pecorino Cheese: A light sprinkle of cheese adds a hint of savory richness that complements the freshness of the tomatoes and basil.
Serve Immediately: Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta tastes best when eaten right away, as the flavors are at their peak and the basil stays bright.
These tips will help you create a wonderfully balanced and flavorful Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta every time!
CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING, EASY RECIPES :
Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing
Luscious Lemon Cream Roll Cake with Lemon Glaze
Comments
Post a Comment