Perfectly Balanced Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

Tomato basil pasta is a dish that many households prepare for a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a larger meal to serve guests. This classic combination of fresh tomatoes and aromatic herbs brings together simple ingredients to create a rich, satisfying flavor. Here's how you can make this delicious recipe at home.

Ingredients needed are:

• 1 pound (450g) pasta
• 3 large ripe tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking time: 30 minutes. Servings: 4-6 people.

Instructions:

1. Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until it's al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes for most types of pasta. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the cooking liquid.

2. In a large frying pan or saucepan, heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Once warm, add in the finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or so to enhance the flavor.

3. Add the diced tomatoes (you can do this by chopping them into small pieces) directly into the pan with the onions. Allow these to simmer gently while continuing to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until all the juices are released and have thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper during this time.

4. While your tomato sauce is simmering, finely chop half of those fresh basil leaves, leaving the other half whole (or almost whole). This will give you a variety in texture within your finished dish.

5. Mix together the drained pasta with the prepared tomato sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the noodles.

6. Lastly, fold in the finely chopped basil leaves along with some grated Parmesan cheese if desired (for extra flavor), and add a touch of the reserved pasta water to help adjust consistency. Adjust seasoning as necessary before serving hot off the stove!

Tips:

• Choose ripe tomatoes for maximum taste. Ripe fruits have more natural sweetness that enhances all other flavors in your dish.
• If you prefer less acidity from the tomatoes, you might want to reduce the amount or even skip adding any vinegar or lemon juice which could balance out an overly sweet tomato base.
• You can also experiment by using different types of pasta shapes like penne or fusilli instead of spaghetti. Changing up your carb choice will add a nice textural variation too!

Storage:

If you have any leftovers, they should be stored in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for no more than three days since fresh ingredients like tomatoes and herbs won't last longer.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Potassium: 940mg (from tomatoes)
• Vitamin A: From both the tomatoes and basil, contributing to good eyesight.
• Vitamin C: Also found in abundance within these ingredients helping boost your immune system.

This homemade tomato basil pasta is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients making it a healthy choice too. Enjoy this versatile meal anytime you want something comforting yet tasty!