Tomato Basil Pasta
A light yet hearty dish filled with the sweet tang of ripe tomatoes and the fragrant freshness of basil, perfect for health-conscious families.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 ounces Pasta Choose your favorite type.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing.
- 2 cloves Garlic Peeled and minced.
- 1 can Diced tomatoes 15 ounces; can be substituted with fresh tomatoes.
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves Chopped, for flavor.
- Salt to taste Salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
- Black pepper to taste Black pepper Essential for flavor enhancement.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Optional topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients on the counter.
- Chop the fresh basil leaves and set them aside.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
- Open the can of diced tomatoes.
Cooking
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil; add a pinch of salt.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Serving
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce.
- Mix in chopped basil and toss, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 2 months.