Summer Tomato Pasta
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, Summer Tomato Pasta is the ultimate go-to dish for warm-weather dining. This simple yet elegant recipe showcases the natural sweetness of ripe heirloom or cherry tomatoes, transformed into a light and juicy sauce with fragrant garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and vibrant fresh basil. Tossed with perfectly al dente spaghetti and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a hint of crushed red pepper for subtle heat, this pasta is a celebration of summer's best ingredients. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining. Serve it with a crisp seasonal salad and a loaf of crusty bread for a complete meal that embodies the taste of summer.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes (preferably heirloom or cherry tomatoes)
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
While the pasta cooks, dice the fresh tomatoes into small chunks (if using cherry tomatoes, halve or quarter them). Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden.
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes release their juices and form a light sauce.
Tear the fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce. Let the basil wilt slightly in the heat of the sauce.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine with the tomato sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the Summer Tomato Pasta immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
902 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.2 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.0 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 733 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 148.8 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.7 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.9 g | ||
| Protein | 46.1 g | 92% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 627 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 9.4 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 2546 mg | 54% | |
*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.
