Tomato Basil Pasta

introduction

Tomato Basil Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the fresh flavors of tomatoes and fragrant basil, creating a simple yet satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or even casual gatherings, offering a taste of Italy in the comforts of your home. With just a few ingredients, it’s easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for many pasta lovers. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and quick, allowing you to enjoy a delicious pasta dish without spending hours in preparation.

why make this recipe

There are several reasons why you should make Tomato Basil Pasta. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. The steps are minimal, and the ingredients are generally found in most kitchens or can be easily sourced from your local grocery store. Second, this dish showcases beautiful flavors from fresh ingredients. The combination of ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil elevates the pasta to another level.

Furthermore, it’s a versatile dish. You can easily adjust portions or add extra ingredients you have on hand, such as vegetables or proteins, making it a flexible option for any meal. Lastly, Tomato Basil Pasta is budget-friendly. With a few simple items, you can prepare a filling and nutritious meal. Whether for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or even a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to please!

how to make Tomato Basil Pasta

Making Tomato Basil Pasta is quite simple. Follow the steps below, and you will have a delicious meal ready in no time!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• ½-1 cup pasta water
• 16 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair
• ½ cup basil, chopped
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. In a large pot of boiling salted water, add your choice of thin spaghetti or angel hair. Cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When the pasta is done, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

2. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Allow the oil to warm up, but avoid letting it smoke.

3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add 1 small diced yellow onion to the pan along with 4 minced garlic cloves. Sprinkle in a big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook these ingredients together for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent.

4. Add Tomatoes and Balsamic: Next, add the drained can of diced tomatoes to the skillet, followed by 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Stir the mixture well, allowing it to cook for an additional 5-8 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together and reduces the sauce slightly.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: When the pasta is ready, add ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water to the tomato mixture in the skillet. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet along with ½ cup of chopped basil and ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and add more basil or salt as needed to enhance the flavors.

7. Serve Immediately: Serve your Tomato Basil Pasta hot. You can top it with additional grated parmesan cheese if desired.

how to serve Tomato Basil Pasta

Serving Tomato Basil Pasta is as simple as plating it. You can dish it into generous portions on individual plates or serve it family-style in a large bowl. Garnishing your pasta with some extra fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds an appealing touch. For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, consider providing red pepper flakes on the side.

Pairing this pasta dish with a nice side salad or some crusty bread can complete the meal, bringing a delightful contrast and complement to the dish. A glass of white wine or Italian soda can elevate the experience further.

how to store Tomato Basil Pasta

If you have leftovers or want to make the dish ahead of time, storing Tomato Basil Pasta is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to freeze your pasta, you can place it in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to separate portions for easy reheating. When frozen, it can last for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a little pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.

tips to make Tomato Basil Pasta

Here are some helpful tips to make your Tomato Basil Pasta even better:

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh tomatoes and basil instead of canned or dried. This small change can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.

• Control the Salt: Take care when adding salt to your dish, especially if you’re using canned tomatoes. Sometimes they can be packed in salt, so tasting as you go is critical.

• Pasta Water is Key: The reserved pasta water is full of starch and helps the sauce cling to the pasta better. If you find your sauce too thick, always start by adding a little pasta water to thin it out.

• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Adding a splash of white wine to the pan after sautéing the onions and garlic can create depth in the flavor. You can also try adding red pepper flakes for heat or a sprinkle of lemon juice for brightness.

variation

Tomato Basil Pasta is versatile, allowing for several variations to suit your taste:

• Add Protein: You can easily make your dish heartier by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked sausage. Simply cook them separately and toss them in with the pasta at the end.

• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the onions and garlic for a nutritious boost.

• Cheesy Option: For cheese lovers, consider adding mozzarella cheese. It can be stirred into the pasta or served as a topping to melt slightly from the heat of the pasta.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti and angel hair work well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or fettuccine.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply omit the parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying.

Q3: Is it possible to make Tomato Basil Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just cook your pasta and mix it with the sauce. Alternatively, you can cook the entire dish and store leftovers for later.

Making Tomato Basil Pasta is an easy, enjoyable experience that results in a delicious meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe serves as a great addition to your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients and get started on creating this delightful dish!

Tomato Basil Pasta

Print Recipe

A delightful dish bringing together fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil for a simple yet satisfying meal.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Boiling and Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1–2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• ½–1 cup pasta water
• 16 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair
• ½ cup basil, chopped
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
3. Sauté 1 small diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves in the skillet, adding salt and pepper, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the drained diced tomatoes and 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 5-8 minutes.
5. Combine the pasta with the sauce in the skillet, adding ½ cup of reserved pasta water, ½ cup of chopped basil, and ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese. Toss gently.
6. Adjust seasoning with more basil or salt as needed.
7. Serve hot, optionally topping with extra grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

For added flavor, use fresh tomatoes and basil. Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pasta, tomato, basil, vegetarian, easy recipe