Delicious Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

A favorite in many households, tomato basil pasta is a delightful dish that can be easily prepared at home with the right ingredients and following a few simple steps. This recipe yields enough for 4 servings and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces pasta of your choice
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

This tomato basil pasta is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. The combination of fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil creates a rich, savory sauce that complements the al dente texture of the pasta perfectly.

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil according to the package instructions. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook until it reaches your desired doneness. Typically, al dente pasta should be slightly undercooked as it will continue to cook in the sauce later.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the tomato basil sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter quickly.
4. Once the garlic is golden, pour in the diced tomatoes, making sure you break up any larger pieces with a spoon or spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. The flavors will meld together, creating a rich, flavorful base.
5. Once the pasta is fully cooked but still al dente, drain it reserving some of the cooking water. This reserved water can be helpful if you need to thin out the sauce later or just add extra flavor depending on your preference.
6. Gently mix the cooked and drained pasta with the tomato basil sauce in the same pot over low heat. You may want to add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to help create a saucy consistency. If you prefer more sauce, feel free to add another can of tomatoes or even a few tablespoons more of fresh basil.
7. After combining the pasta and the tomato basil mixture, remove it from heat. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Serve immediately while still hot.

Tips and Variations:

Feel free to experiment with this versatile recipe. For instance, you could add some cooked vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to make it a heartier meal. If you prefer something creamier, you can also incorporate heavy cream into the sauce for an added richness.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 350 kcal, Total fat: 12g, Saturated fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 460mg, Total carbs: 55g, Fiber: 8g, Sugars: 7g, Protein: 15g

Conclusion:

The tomato basil pasta recipe is a true classic that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Its simplicity and versatility make it an excellent choice for any meal, whether you're hosting a family dinner or just looking to treat yourself after a long week.

If you want a quick and easy meal, this dish is perfect! It's packed with fresh ingredients that will brighten up your plate and your palate. Give it a try the next time you need something delicious yet straightforward for dinner!