Summer Pasta Topper
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, the Summer Pasta Topper is your go-to recipe for elevating any pasta dish during the warmer months. Brimming with the vibrant sweetness of ripe cherry tomatoes, the fragrant kick of fresh basil, and a zesty punch of lemon juice and zest, this no-cook sauce is as simple as it is delicious. A hint of garlic, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and a salty Parmesan finish create the perfect balance of flavors. Ready in just 10 minutes and requiring zero cooking, this light yet indulgent topper pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta—think spaghetti, penne, or even zucchini noodles—for an easy summer dinner. Perfect for quick meals or impressing guests with minimal effort, this recipe captures the essence of seasonal eating at its finest.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Thinly slice or tear the basil leaves and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, then mix them into the bowl.
Add the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the tomato mixture. Stir well to combine.
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Let the topper sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, grate the Parmesan cheese and gently fold it into the mixture, reserving a small portion for garnish if desired.
Serve the Summer Pasta Topper over freshly cooked pasta of your choice, such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine. Add additional Parmesan cheese or more fresh basil for garnish if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
664 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.1 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.6 g | 73% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 1525 mg | 66% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.8 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.3 g | ||
| Protein | 21.5 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 543 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 1128 mg | 24% | |
*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.
