Perfect Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes

Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta dish? Try this Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes, an effortless recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes and serves up to four people. This hearty meal is a delightful way to enjoy the summer's bounty, using fresh tomatoes and herbs.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—high-quality ingredients make all the difference. You’ll need just a few pantry staples and some fresh produce to whip it up. Start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions; we recommend choosing whole wheat or durum semolina for added fiber.

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) of whole wheat or durum semolina pasta, cooked al dente
8 ripe medium-sized tomatoes
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Garlic cloves, 3-4 depending on preference; finely chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano (or fresh)
Salt to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional but highly recommended
Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, freshly grated (optional)

Cooking Method

Begin by cooking your pasta until it is al dente. While the pasta heats through, prepare the sauce. Slice your tomatoes lengthwise and remove seeds if desired for a smoother texture.

In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, add olive oil and allow to warm up slightly. Add garlic cloves and cook until they become fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the tomatoes along with oregano and salt; let them simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning if necessary.
When the pasta is cooked through, drain it thoroughly but reserve some pasta water before adding back into the saucepan. This helps thicken the sauce nicely while preventing clumping.
Mix the hot pasta with your tomato sauce. If desired, fold in fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For added depth, you could add a touch more garlic or even a dash of red pepper flakes towards the end of cooking time for that bit of heat. If you have any leftover grilled chicken or shrimp, consider tossing them into this dish too—it takes well to protein.

Cooking Time: Preparation: 15 minutes; Cooking: 10-12 minutes total
Servings: Serves 4 as a main course or 6 as a side dish with a salad

Storage & Reheating

This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply add a little more olive oil if needed and heat gently on low until thoroughly heated through.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal; Protein: About 15g; Carbohydrates: ~70g; Fats: ~15g

Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta shapes or even incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. This dish exemplifies the joy of cooking from scratch, allowing you to control every aspect of flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This recipe is a testament to how good home-cooking can be when done right. It’s simple enough for beginners yet packed with enough flavor to impress seasoned chefs as well. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or want to bring something special to your next gathering, this pasta dish ticks all the boxes.

Give it a try! Your taste buds will thank you later.