Summer Fresh Pasta
Capture the essence of summer on your plate with this light and vibrant Summer Fresh Pasta recipe! Featuring al dente spaghetti or linguine tossed in a medley of juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil, this dish is elevated with a zesty touch of lemon and a hint of red chili flakes for optional heat. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this quick and easy meal embodies the best of seasonal ingredients while keeping things simple. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant alfresco gatherings. Serve it warm and watch every bite transport you to sunlit Italian patios!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti or linguine
- 300 g cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 to taste salt
- 1 to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Slice the garlic cloves thinly and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.
Stir in the chili flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet, tossing to coat in the tomato mixture. If the sauce seems dry, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Divide the pasta among serving plates and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
905 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.5 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.7 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3142 mg | 137% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 139.1 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.7 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.2 g | ||
| Protein | 45.1 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 626 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 998 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
