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Tomato Basil Pasta

Tomato Basil Pasta
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Tomato Basil Pasta is a fast, fresh, and flavorful dish combining ripe juicy tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in high-quality olive oil with garlic for a vibrant, wholesome meal ready in under 30 minutes. This versatile recipe suits vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, offering a bright, herbaceous comfort food perfect served hot or cold any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh ripe tomatoes (Roma or cherry), chopped
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Pantry Staples

  • 12 oz spaghetti or preferred pasta (gluten-free if needed)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne (for spice)
  • Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas (for protein boost)
  • Other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop the fresh tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and roughly tear the basil leaves. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly in the sauce.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti or preferred pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, stirring occasionally until they soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky, light sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
  5. Add Fresh Basil and Season: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative right before serving for a beautiful finish.

Notes

  • Use the ripest, freshest tomatoes available to maximize flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking garlic; sauté just until fragrant to prevent bitterness.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind and loosen the sauce without adding cream.
  • Add basil after removing from heat to preserve its vibrant color and aroma.
  • Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for a richer depth of flavor.
  • For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce.
  • To boost protein, toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
  • Omit Parmesan or substitute with a plant-based alternative for a vegan version.
  • Roasting tomatoes first can deepen flavor and add caramelized notes.
  • Mix in other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme or parsley to vary the flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tomato Basil Pasta, quick pasta recipe, fresh pasta dish, vegan pasta, gluten free pasta, easy weeknight dinner, Italian pasta recipe

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/tomato-basil-pasta/