Perfectly Balanced Tomato Basil Pasta

Looking for a dish that satisfies your craving for something hearty yet light? Look no further than our perfectly balanced Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe. This classic favorite is simple to make and sure to impress with its rich flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s quick to prepare, and you’ll be amazed at how good homemade pasta can taste.

Ingredients:

250 grams of fresh or dried pasta
3 ripe tomatoes
1 small onion
2 cloves of garlic
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
Lemon juice (optional)

Cooking time: approximately 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6 people

Preparation Method

To start, prepare your ingredients. If using fresh pasta, cook it al dente according to package instructions or until your preferred softness. Drain and set aside. For dried pasta, boil following the directions on the packaging.

In a large saucepan, heat up 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté them until they become translucent and slightly golden. This step will take about 5-7 minutes. Next, add finely chopped garlic cloves and stir for another minute to release the fragrant flavor without burning it.

Meanwhile, roughly chop your tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Once the onions are ready, add these along with some salt and freshly ground black pepper into the saucepan. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the tomatoes soften and start breaking down a bit. This process helps create a richer base for your pasta dish.

By this time, if using fresh basil, sprinkle it over the tomato mixture towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and freshness. For dried basil fans like myself, adding them earlier can also work well depending on personal preference.

Once all these components are ready, combine your cooked pasta with the tomato sauce in a large serving bowl or directly into individual bowls. A squeeze of lemon juice can add that extra zing if desired; however, it's optional as everyone has their own taste buds!

Tips for Success

Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. They should be soft to touch but not mushy.
Aim for fresh basil over dried when possible as it brings more freshness and aroma to the dish.
The key is in the balance between sweetness from onions, acidity from tomatoes, and the richness of olive oil. Adjust these according to your palate.

Pairing Suggestions

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or some crusty bread on the side. It also complements red wine perfectly for those who enjoy pairing meals with alcoholic beverages. If you're looking for something non-alcoholic, a refreshing iced tea might be just what the doctor ordered.

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you find leftovers after serving this delightful meal, refrigerate any remaining pasta in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. It should keep for about three days in the fridge. When reheated, consider adding a splash of water or a little more olive oil to help rehydrate it properly.

For those who prefer frozen meals, this recipe is also suitable for freezing. Place cooked pasta and sauce together into freezer-safe containers before sealing tightly. Frozen portions can last up to three months under ideal conditions.

About Our Blog

If you enjoyed learning about our Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe today, stay tuned as we frequently update our site with new recipes ranging from appetizers to desserts. Whether it's Italian classics like this one or something entirely different inspired by various cultures around the world, there’s always something exciting coming your way.

Enjoy cooking and sharing meals! Happy eating!