Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe – Let’s See How to Make it
Tomato Basil Pasta: A Classic Italian Delight
Tomato Basil Pasta is one of those dishes that can make you feel like you are in Italy even if you are in your kitchen. It is rather reassuring to have a plate of pasta covered with a rich tomato sauce and sprinkled with fresh basil. This Tomato Basil Pasta recipe is close to my heart because it is one of the recipes I cook for my family and they love it.
Why Tomato Basil Pasta is a Timeless Favorite
Tomato Basil Pasta can be described as the most straightforward and, at the same time, the most refined dish. Italian cuisine is about the quality of the ingredients and this recipe is no different. You can prepare a delicious and elegant dish with only four ingredients: pasta, tomatoes, basil, and other ingredients that are always available in any kitchen. It can be used for normal dinners and it can also be used for special occasions such as celebrations and other formal occasions.
The Simplicity and Elegance of Tomato Basil Pasta
The other thing that I like about Tomato Basil Pasta is that it is very easy to prepare it. The preparation is straightforward: cook the pasta, cook the sauce, and then combine the pasta with the sauce. But this dish is very easy to prepare and the tomato sauce with garlic and fresh basil is very filling.
Versatility and Customization: Making Tomato Basil Pasta Your Own
Tomato Basil Pasta is very flexible. If you want to make it even more of a meal you can add proteins such as grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish. Besides, if you are a vegan or a gluten intolerant person, it is not an issue to cook the dish with the ingredients that are allowed in your diet. This flexibility makes it possible to make some changes to the recipe depending on the preference and other aspects like health needs.
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Pasta
- Pasta: 12 ounces (spaghetti or penne)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Tomatoes: 4 cups, diced (or 2 cans of crushed tomatoes)
- Fresh Basil: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling, salted water, until it is tender to bite – as per the instructions on the packet. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat setting on the skillet. Put in the minced garlic and stir fry for about one minute or until the garlic becomes brown.
- Add Tomatoes: Place the diced tomatoes into the skillet. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to reduce the quantity of the sauce a little.
- Season: Then add the fresh basil, salt, and black pepper and if you are using red pepper flakes then add it. Stir for another 2 minutes more.
- Combine: When the pasta is cooked turn the sauce on the pasta and mix it well to ensure that the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: The garnishing is Parmesan cheese which is grated and this dish should be served hot.
Health Benefits of Tomato Basil Pasta
The Tomato Basil Pasta has some nutritional benefits as described below. Tomatoes contain flavonoids such as lycopene which is good for the heart. Using fresh basil is not only tasty but basil has anti-inflammatory benefits. Olive oil is healthy fats which are beneficial for the cardiovascular system.
Tomato Basil Pasta is a delicious and simple dish that will give you the Italian taste in your kitchen without much hassle. I wish you happy cooking and happy eating this recipe as much as I do. Do not forget to post your variations or to write a comment about your opinion! Keep on coming for more mouth-watering recipes that will make your meal enjoyable.
Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe – Let’s See How to Make it
Description
Tomato Basil Pasta is one of the most popular Italian dishes which is made from ripe tomatoes and basil. The pasta is well cooked and then seasoned in a delicious tomato sauce to form a tasty and satisfying dish. This recipe is especially suitable for those days when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen preparing dinner. This is a dish that has not many ingredients and that is why people can taste the natural taste of the food, so it is perfect for family dinner or any kind of parties.
Ingredients
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
-
Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling, salted water, until it is tender to bite – as per the instructions on the packet. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
-
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat setting on the skillet. Put in the minced garlic and stir fry for about one minute or until the garlic becomes brown.
Add Tomatoes
-
Place the diced tomatoes into the skillet. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to reduce the quantity of the sauce a little.
Season
-
Then add the fresh basil, salt, and black pepper and if you are using red pepper flakes then add it. Stir for another 2 minutes more.
Combine
-
When the pasta is cooked turn the sauce on the pasta and mix it well to ensure that the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Serve
-
The garnishing is Parmesan cheese which is grated and this dish should be served hot.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 10g20%
- Vitamin A 750 IU
- Vitamin C 20 mg
- Calcium 100 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Substitutions: Use canned tomatoes if fresh are not available. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Yes, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Yes, you can use dried basil if fresh is not available. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil in place of the fresh basil. However, fresh basil provides a more vibrant flavor.
Any type of pasta works well with this sauce. Traditional choices include spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked sausage to make the dish more filling. Simply cook the protein separately and mix it into the pasta at the end.
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Adjust according to your taste preference.
If you prefer not to use Parmesan, you can substitute it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option or use a different hard cheese like Pecorino Romano.
Consider serving with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complement the meal.
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