Tomato Basil Pasta
Indulge in the simple elegance of this Tomato Basil Pasta recipe, a vibrant dish that celebrates the timeless pairing of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick yet impressive meal features al dente spaghetti coated in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, enhanced with fresh basil and a dash of Parmesan for a flavorful finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a casual gathering, the recipe’s straightforward technique and pantry-friendly ingredients make it a go-to choice for any home cook. Customize the dish with a hint of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or an extra drizzle of olive oil for added richness. Serve this Italian-inspired classic with a side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 large Garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups Fresh ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup Pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or pasta of your choice according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down slightly and form a chunky sauce.
Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the tomato sauce, adjusting to taste.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the tomato-basil sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss again to incorporate.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1420 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.4 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.3 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3107 mg | 135% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 172.7 g | 63% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.2 g | 86% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.2 g | ||
| Protein | 53.7 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 832 mg | 64% | |
| Iron | 16.4 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 2988 mg | 64% | |
*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.
