Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta

Name: Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti or linguine; 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp butter (optional)

Light and fresh pasta with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil. A simple weeknight dinner that tastes like summer.

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

pastavegetarianitalianquickweeknight

Ingredients

1 lb spaghetti or linguine
2 lbs ripe tomatoes, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes with their juices, season with salt and pepper.
Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
Drain pasta and add it to the tomato sauce.
Toss well, adding pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
Stir in butter if using, for extra richness.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh torn basil.
Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

This simple pasta showcases the best of summer tomatoes. Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find - it makes all the difference. Cherry or grape tomatoes work wonderfully too, just halve them before cooking.

For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or shrimp. For a vegan version, skip the butter and Parmesan, or use vegan alternatives.