How to Make a Flavorful Tomato Basil Pasta

Looking for an easy and delicious pasta recipe that will satisfy your taste buds? Try our Tomato Basil Pasta! This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, providing you with a quick yet satisfying option. It’s versatile enough to be served hot or cold, making it ideal for both dinner and lunch.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, while the total preparation time including boiling water takes around 45 minutes. This dish serves four people generously, ensuring that you have leftovers for another day if you wish to enjoy them later on.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or other pasta of your choice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute or until fragrant but not browned.

3. Add the crushed tomatoes along with salt and pepper to taste, stirring continuously. Allow this mixture to simmer on low heat for at least 15 minutes so that flavors meld together nicely.

4. Once your pasta is done, reserve about half a cup of cooking water before draining it well. Set aside.

5. In the same pot used earlier, add remaining olive oil and pour in the tomato-basil mixture. Stir in drained pasta along with some reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce consistency – this helps bind everything together nicely without making too much of a mess on your plate!

6. Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

7. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled over each serving, accompanied by fresh green salad or breadsticks for added texture and flavor variation.

Additional Tips

• If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can use chicken broth instead of pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency without heavy cream.
• To add more depth of flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or capers into your sauce for extra zest!
• For those who love heat, feel free to include red pepper flakes in your tomato basil mixture as desired. A little bit goes a long way when it comes to spice level.

This Tomato Basil Pasta not only tastes great but also offers numerous health benefits due to its high nutritional value packed into every bite! Rich with vitamins C and A found primarily in tomatoes, alongside iron content from basil leaves and protein sources provided by the pasta itself. Pair this dish with a side salad for an even healthier option that's easy on your waistline too.

Feel free to experiment further based on personal preferences; perhaps adding some grilled chicken or shrimp could turn this into an elegant dinner party main course. Alternatively, chilled pasta tossed in this same sauce makes a fantastic summer lunchtime treat when combined with some crisp vegetables like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.

The possibilities are endless! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly special every time. Whether it's for everyday meals or special occasions, this Tomato Basil Pasta is sure to become one of your favorites in the kitchen!