Simple Yet Flavorful Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

In a world filled with countless culinary delights, there is one dish that never fails to warm the heart and satisfy the taste buds—Tomato Basil Pasta! This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Let's dive into how you can prepare this delicious treat for yourself or your family.

For this dish, you will need:

• 300 grams of fresh pasta
• 4 medium-sized tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely sliced
• Half a cup of fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking time: Approximately 30 minutes

Servings: 4 generous portions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Start by boiling the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare your sauce by heating up the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes or until fragrant but not browned.

• Tip: Sautéing the garlic gently helps to enhance its flavor without burning it, which can make your dish taste bitter.

Step 3: Once the garlic is golden, add the chopped tomatoes and stir in well. Cook for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down into a sauce-like consistency. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree part of the mixture.

• Note: The longer you cook the tomato base, the more concentrated and flavorful it becomes, so feel free to adjust based on personal preference.

Step 4: Add in the sliced onions and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: When the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly but save a small amount of the cooking water. This will help thin out your sauce if needed.

• Tips: If you like a creamy sauce, mix some of this starchy water into your sauce before adding the drained pasta; otherwise, add all the pasta at once to maintain its al dente texture.

Step 6: Once everything is combined and heated through, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over top. If desired, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor. Serve immediately!

Nutritional Information

This dish offers a good mix of carbohydrates from the pasta along with essential vitamins like lycopene from tomatoes and vitamin K from basil. It also provides healthy fats from olive oil.

• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Fat Content: Saturated fat is minimal due to the use of olive oil, which contains good monounsaturated fatty acids instead.
• Sodium Level: Adjustable based on salt added during cooking; generally low when only using fresh ingredients.
• Carbohydrate Content: High in fiber too thanks partly to whole wheat pasta options available. Fiber helps promote digestive health and manage blood sugar levels effectively.

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

Tip 1: For a deeper red color, you can roast your tomatoes before adding them into the sauce. Roasting enhances their sweetness and concentrates flavors.

1. Roast the chopped tomatoes in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until soft and wrinkly.

Tip 2: To add a bit more creaminess, blend half of your sauce into a smoother consistency before adding back to the pan. You can also use heavy cream as an alternative if preferred.

Tip 3: Consider topping with other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and nutritional benefits. Just ensure these are sautéed separately first so they don’t overcook while waiting for your pasta to finish cooking.

• Alternative suggestion: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth in the sauce recipe instead of using fresh vegetable stock.

Closing Thoughts

The Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe is more than just another dish; it’s a delightful celebration of simple ingredients combined beautifully to create something truly special. Whether served as part of a light lunch or comforting dinner, this pasta never disappoints! Enjoy every bite and share the joy with loved ones around you.