Tomato Basil Pasta
What Started it all:
Tomato
This delightful Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that celebrates the fresh taste of tomatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe serves four and is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti or your pasta of choice
- 6 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Tomato Basil Pasta!
This Tomato Basil Pasta is not only quick and easy to prepare but also bursting with fresh flavors. Enjoy making this dish and feel free to experiment with additional ingredients or spices to make it your own!