Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple, vibrant dish perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Combining juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender pasta creates a light and delightful Italian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta of choice
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Step 4: Stir in the cooked pasta and chopped basil leaves. Toss to combine everything evenly.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomatoes while cooking for a tangy twist.
- For a protein boost, stir in cooked shrimp or grilled chicken.
- Fresh mozzarella cubes make a delicious addition when stirred in before serving.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little olive oil or water to keep the pasta from drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes like spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
The pasta, tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper are all vegan. Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it fully vegan.
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Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of al dente pasta, sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a vibrant and aromatic meal. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and optional Parmesan cheese, this recipe is simple yet delicious.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 200g pasta of choice
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain well and set aside to be added later.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release some of their juices.
- Toss pasta and basil: Add the cooked pasta and chopped basil leaves to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated with the tomato mixture and the basil is evenly distributed.
- Season: Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you like; spaghetti or penne works well with this recipe.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- Fresh basil is key to the bright flavor; avoid dried basil if possible.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes.
- If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: tomato basil pasta, quick pasta recipe, fresh tomato pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner
