Perfectly Balanced Tomato Basil Pasta

Looking for a delicious and balanced tomato basil pasta recipe that can be enjoyed by the whole family? This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with rich flavors. The perfect balance of tomatoes, herbs, and pasta will leave you craving more after just one bite.

This Tomato Basil Pasta is sure to become your go-to meal when time is limited or a simple yet satisfying dinner is needed. With about 30 minutes cooking time, it's quick enough for last-minute meals but still tastes like it was made with love and care.

Ingredients

To make this dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) of your favorite pasta type
• 4 cups fresh Roma tomatoes or 1 can (14 oz/397 g)
• 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of sugar (optional) - this helps balance the acidity in tomatoes.

Cooking Directions

1. Start by boiling your pasta. Boil it according to package instructions until al dente, which means firm but not hard.

2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it has heated up slightly, add minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds without burning the garlic.

3. Add diced or canned tomatoes to the pan along with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Let these simmer on low heat until they start breaking down into a sauce-like consistency. This process should take around 15-20 minutes. You might want to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. While your tomato sauce is cooking, drain the pasta but reserve about half a cup of pasta water. Drain only if you are using fresh pasta; if it's dried pasta, go ahead and rinse under cold running water until cool enough to handle without burning yourself!

5. Mix in the finely chopped basil leaves into the tomato sauce once the tomatoes have reached your desired consistency.

6. Once the sauce has thickened nicely, add back the drained pasta. If necessary, thin out the sauce using some reserved pasta water or a splash of water if you prefer a lighter version. Stir gently to coat each noodle with the tomato basil mixture.

7. Serve immediately and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. This dish is best enjoyed hot right away!

Enjoying Your Meal

This Tomato Basil Pasta is incredibly versatile; you can serve it as part of a meal or simply on its own for lunch. It pairs beautifully with a side salad and some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. If you're looking for more variety, try adding some cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers into the mix.

One key tip for making this pasta dish even better is ensuring that your tomatoes are fresh. Fresh ingredients truly make a difference in the final flavor profile of any meal.

To ensure you always have perfect Tomato Basil Pasta at home, consider preparing it in large quantities and storing excess servings in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat leftovers by adding them to boiling water for 2-3 minutes to bring back their original texture and consistency.

Health Benefits

This dish is not only delicious but also rich with essential nutrients that contribute positively towards a balanced diet:

• Vitamin C: Tomatoes are excellent sources of Vitamin C, which helps support immune health.
• Fiber: The pasta and vegetables in this meal provide fiber which supports digestive health.
• Antioxidants: Fresh herbs like basil contain antioxidants beneficial for overall health.

Incorporating dishes like Tomato Basil Pasta into your regular meals can be a great way to eat healthy while enjoying tasty home-cooked food. It's an ideal choice if you're seeking a quick, nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction!