Imagine a pasta dish that captures the essence of a sun-drenched Italian garden in just 25 minutes. This Fresh Tomato Basil Garlic Pasta is not just a meal, it's a culinary escape that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. With ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, this recipe promises to transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy without hours of complicated preparation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. The water should taste like sea water to properly season the pasta.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, dice the ripe tomatoes into small, uniform cubes. Aim for pieces about 1/2 inch in size for consistent texture.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely, ensuring no large chunks remain. The smaller and more uniform the garlic, the more evenly it will distribute flavor.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped fresh basil. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and gently toss.
- Season the tomato mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to sit and marinate while the pasta cooks.
- When pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Immediately transfer the hot pasta to the bowl with the tomato mixture. Toss gently to combine, allowing the heat to slightly warm the tomatoes and release their juices.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips
- • Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out. • Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find. The quality of your tomatoes will make or break this simple dish. • Chop garlic and basil just before adding to ensure maximum flavor and aroma. • Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together. • For an extra flavor boost, let the tomato mixture sit and marinate while the pasta cooks to develop deeper flavors. • Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the perfect blend of warm pasta and fresh, vibrant ingredients. • Optional but delicious: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
