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Tomato Basil Pasta

Tomato Basil Pasta
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Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple, vibrant, and fresh pasta dish that combines ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked pasta for a wholesome, colorful, and quick-to-prepare meal. Ideal for weeknights or casual gatherings, it offers a burst of summer flavors with minimal cleanup and versatile serving options.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh roma or cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the garlic and roughly tear the fresh basil leaves to release their aroma. Set aside for easy access.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until the tomatoes release their juices and form a sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen it and help it cling to the pasta.
  5. Finish with Basil and Parmesan: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and toss again. Add red pepper flakes if desired for a subtle heat before serving.

Notes

  • Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes for maximum flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Simmer tomatoes just until softened, avoiding overcooking to maintain texture.
  • Add fresh basil at the end to preserve color and aroma.
  • Choose quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tomato Basil Pasta, quick pasta recipe, fresh tomato pasta, summer pasta dish, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta, Italian pasta

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