Tomato Basil Pasta

Indulge in the simple elegance of this Tomato Basil Pasta recipe, a vibrant dish that celebrates the timeless pairing of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick yet impressive meal features al dente spaghetti coated in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, enhanced with fresh basil and a dash of Parmesan for a flavorful finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a casual gathering, the recipe’s straightforward technique and pantry-friendly ingredients make it a go-to choice for any home cook. Customize the dish with a hint of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or an extra drizzle of olive oil for added richness. Serve this Italian-inspired classic with a side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Spaghetti or pasta of choice
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 large Garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups Fresh ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup Pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or pasta of your choice according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down slightly and form a chunky sauce.

Step 5

Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the tomato sauce, adjusting to taste.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped fresh basil and cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the tomato-basil sauce.

Step 8

If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss again to incorporate.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1811.5 grams (1811.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1420

Total Fat 60.40g	77%
Saturated Fat 15.30g	77%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 3107mg	135%
Total Carbohydrate 172.70g	63%
Dietary Fiber 24.20g	86%
Total Sugars 27.20g
Protein 53.70g	107%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 832mg	64%
Iron 16mg	91%
Potassium 2988mg	64%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.5%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 47.7%