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Quick Fresh Tomato Pasta with Basil

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A quick and easy pasta recipe featuring fresh ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 20 minutes, this vibrant dish is simple, wholesome, and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium fresh ripe tomatoes (about 500g / 1 lb)
  • 15–20 fresh basil leaves
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 200g (7 oz) spaghetti or favorite pasta
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil using about 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of water and 1 tablespoon of salt.
  2. While waiting, roughly chop the fresh ripe tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. No need to peel.
  3. Add 200g (7 oz) of spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions for al dente, usually about 8-9 minutes.
  4. While pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture seems too dry, splash in about 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  6. Season the sauce with freshly ground black pepper and red pepper flakes if using. Tear the basil leaves roughly and stir them in.
  7. Once pasta is al dente, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the pasta using a colander.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato basil sauce. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve desired sauce consistency.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness. Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Tear basil leaves instead of chopping to preserve flavor. Pasta should be cooked just shy of al dente as it will finish cooking when tossed with sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pasta, fresh tomato pasta, basil pasta, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta, simple pasta recipe

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/quick-fresh-tomato-pasta-with-basil-recipe-perfect-for-busy-weeknights/