Ingredients
– 12 ounces spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
– 3 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
– ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Creating Un-Dried Tomato Pasta is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for the perfect dish:
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
3. Add the Tomatoes: Carefully add the diced fresh tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine with the garlic and oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
4. Season: Add salt and black pepper to the tomato mixture, taste, and adjust as needed.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the tomatoes have broken down a bit, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to help incorporate the sauce.
6. Finish with Herbs: Once everything is combined, remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
7. Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta while it’s hot. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Make sure you taste your Un-Dried Tomato Pasta as you go. Adjust seasoning to enhance the flavors according to your liking!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.