Simple Yet Flavorful Tomato Basil Pasta

Keyword: Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

Tomato basil pasta is a beloved dish that combines the rich flavor of ripe tomatoes with the fresh aroma and taste of basil leaves. This classic Italian recipe offers a simple yet delicious way to enjoy homemade comfort food. It’s perfect for those looking for an easy-to-make meal with minimal ingredients and preparation time.

This tomato basil pasta serves as a great starter or main course, depending on side dishes that you choose to serve alongside it. The cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, which includes the time needed for the pasta to boil and the sauce to simmer. It yields about 4 servings, making it ideal for a family dinner or a light meal for two.

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 800 grams (about 1 and a half kg) ripe tomatoes, crushed or in puree form
• 4 sprigs fresh basil, leaves only
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 250 grams of your preferred pasta type (penne, spaghetti, fusilli)
• Cheese for garnish (optional)

To start, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, add the minced garlic to the onions. Stir continuously and cook for another minute or two until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

Next, add in the crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree) and stir well. Season with a generous amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. During this time, bring a large pot of water to boil for cooking the pasta. Once boiling, add some salt to the water before adding the pasta. Follow the packaging instructions for the exact amount of cooking time.

While the pasta is cooking, remove half of the tomato sauce from the pan and set it aside in a small bowl. This will be used as a topping garnish later on. Once the pasta is cooked al dente (tender but still firm to the bite), drain it thoroughly by removing excess water.

Return the drained pasta to the same pot, then pour over the remaining tomato sauce. Toss everything together gently using tongs or a wooden spoon until all strands of pasta are evenly coated with the warm sauce. Optionally, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired for an extra layer of flavor.

To serve, place each serving of pasta onto individual plates and drizzle the reserved tomato basil mixture around the sides of your plate. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves to complement the dish visually.

This simple tomato basil pasta can be paired nicely with various side dishes such as a green salad or garlic breadsticks. It also goes well with Italian wines like Chianti or even red table wine for those who prefer something lighter.

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding other ingredients that suit your tastes. For instance, you could add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives into the sauce during cooking; or try substituting half of the pasta for quinoa or another grain for a more nutritious twist.

Chef Tip: To ensure the best flavor from your basil, use fresh basil instead of dried. It adds a freshness and intensity that cannot be replicated by any dried counterpart. Also, make sure to add salt and pepper at each step of preparation as this helps enhance the natural flavors present in tomatoes and other vegetables.

Tomato basil pasta is not only comforting but also highly versatile due to its simplicity. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this dish provides an excellent foundation for learning and perfecting basic culinary techniques like sautéing vegetables, making sauces, and combining flavors harmoniously.

With its combination of fresh, wholesome ingredients and straightforward preparation method, tomato basil pasta remains one of those go-to recipes that everyone should master in their culinary repertoire. Try it today and enjoy the delightful taste experience at home!