Ingredients
– 12 ounces spaghetti or your choice of pasta
– 4 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (preferably heirloom or vine-ripened)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Creating Fresh Tomato Pasta is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps for guaranteed success:
1. Boil Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Add Tomatoes: Incorporate the diced tomatoes into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir gently and allow to cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to help loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
5. Finish with Basil: Remove the skillet from the heat and toss in fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with additional basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
These straightforward instructions make preparing Fresh Tomato Pasta not only a meal but also an enjoyable process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 12g