Simple and Delicious Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

Tomato basil pasta is a simple yet delicious recipe that many people love to enjoy as a meal or side dish. This classic Italian favorite is easy to prepare, and it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. The fresh tomatoes and aromatic herbs give this pasta its characteristic taste and aroma.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients Needed:

• 250 grams of fresh pasta, such as spaghetti or penne
• 3 medium-sized ripe tomatoes
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 sprig fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the pasta in salted water until it is al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
2. In a medium-sized pan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic as this can give your dish an unpleasant taste.
3. Once the garlic is fragrant but not burned, add the finely sliced onions to the pan. Stir occasionally until they are soft and translucent.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes to the mixture in the pan. Crush them with a fork or potato masher as you add them to break them up into smaller pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
5. Allow the tomato mixture to simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors of the ingredients to meld together nicely.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the tomato sauce in the pan. Stir well so that all strands of pasta are thoroughly coated with the sauce. If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can add some Parmesan cheese and stir it into the mixture. Continue stirring until everything is well combined.
7. Serve immediately while the pasta is still hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added color and flavor.

Tips For Perfect Pasta:

For best results, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. The flavors of fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs are superior to those in canned versions. Additionally, when boiling pasta, make sure you add enough water with salt so that the pasta doesn't stick together.

Variations:

• For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper while cooking the garlic and onions.
• To give your dish an extra kick of flavor, you can sauté some mushrooms along with the onions. This will add depth to the sauce.
• If you like creaminess in your pasta dishes, try adding heavy cream or half-and-half after combining all other ingredients. Stir gently until it reaches a creamy consistency that suits your preference.

Healthy Alternatives:

This tomato basil pasta can be made even healthier by using whole wheat pasta instead of refined pasta and substituting olive oil with extra virgin olive oil, which is less processed and offers more health benefits. Furthermore, choosing fresh vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers as an addition to the sauce will enhance both nutritional value and taste.

Storage:

This dish can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you wish to freeze it, allow it to cool completely after cooking before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will last about two months in the freezer.

Conclusion:

Tomato basil pasta is a versatile dish that can be adapted to various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're looking for something simple, hearty, or creamy, this recipe has options suited for everyone. It's perfect for both beginners who are just learning how to cook and experienced chefs who want to impress their guests.