Deliciously Simple Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

Tomato basil pasta is one of those comforting dishes that never fails to satisfy everyone's taste buds. A simple yet satisfying meal, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or casual weekend gathering with friends and family. In this article, we will walk you through how to prepare this classic dish, ensuring it turns out just as delicious every time.

Ingredients required:

• 1 pound of pasta
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (or a mix of 1/2 cup fresh and 1/2 cup dried)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Cheese - optional but recommended: Parmesan or mozzarella cheese

Cooking time: Approximately 30 minutes for the pasta, 5-10 minutes for sauce preparation. Total cooking time including both stages is around 40 minutes.

Number of servings: This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings.

Steps to Prepare Tomato Basil Pasta

1. Cooking the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your preferred type of pasta (al dente is best) and cook until soft, following package directions. Drain well and set aside.
2. Sautéing garlic and tomatoes: In a large frying pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once it starts shimmering, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant but not browned. Add chopped tomatoes. Cook them down to a thick paste form using low heat.
3. Mixing pasta with sauce: After the tomato mixture has thickened, remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil leaves and season with salt and pepper. Toss the cooked pasta into this flavorful sauce gently but thoroughly so that each strand gets coated well.
4. Serve hot: If desired, sprinkle some Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over top before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade tomato basil pasta while it's piping hot!

Tips for Perfect Pasta Dish

• For an authentic Italian flavor, use a semolina pasta as it gives a more authentic texture and taste.
• If you prefer a less acidic sauce, cook the tomatoes with some sugar or balsamic vinegar before adding salt. This reduces acidity slightly without compromising on flavor.
• Leftovers are excellent cold - simply refrigerate them after cooking and eat cold pasta for lunch the next day!
• You can also add some fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers into your sauce if you want a heartier meal.

Health Benefits of Tomato Basil Pasta

Tomatoes contain lycopene which is known to be good for skin health. They are rich sources of antioxidants such as vitamin C and fiber that help support digestive health. Basil, packed with minerals like magnesium, manganese, and vitamins A & K also contributes significantly towards a balanced diet.

Variations on this Recipe

If you want to change things up from the classic version, here are some exciting variations:

• Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta: Add heavy cream or half-and-half for richer flavors. Reduce sauce quantity accordingly since cream adds extra liquid.
• Festive Fiesta Pasta: Replace basil with cilantro and tomatoes with diced mangoes. Serve it alongside some lime wedges too!
• Asian-Inspired Version: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and green onions instead of regular salt and pepper for a more oriental flavor profile.

Conclusion

Cooking up this simple tomato basil pasta can be done in no time. It's incredibly versatile and adaptable to fit various dietary preferences. Whether you're looking forward to a quick weekday dinner or plan ahead for family gatherings, this dish is sure to become one of your go-to meals.