Quick & Easy Tomato Basil Pasta: A Flavorful Italian Delight

Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious pasta dish? Look no further! This Tomato Basil Pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up this creamy yet zesty pasta in no time.

This versatile meal provides a satisfying and nutritious option that caters to both the health-conscious eater and those who simply want something richly flavorful. The recipe yields about 4 servings, making it perfect for small families or as an appetizer for a larger group.

Ingredients

1 pound of spaghetti pasta
3 tablespoons of olive oil
2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
8 ounces of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for serving (optional)

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Once it's boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes or until they are translucent and soft.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir for another minute, ensuring not to burn it.
When the pasta is done cooking, drain it thoroughly but reserve a small cup of the cooking water. This will help in achieving the perfect consistency when mixing the pasta with sauce.
Add the cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water into the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, a generous amount of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) for some extra heat. Mix everything together until the flavors meld perfectly.
Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano if desired.

Tips and Variations

To make this dish even more special, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken to the pasta for a heartier meal. You can also experiment with different types of herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to suit your taste preferences.

If you’re short on time and don’t want to cook the sauce from scratch, you can use jarred tomato paste mixed with fresh basil and olive oil instead of starting from raw ingredients. This shortcut option might not provide as authentic flavor but still delivers a tasty result.

Benefits of Tomato Basil Pasta

This pasta dish is not only quick to prepare but also offers several health benefits due to the inclusion of nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs. Fresh basil, for instance, contains antioxidants like quercetin, beta-carotene, and vitamin C which are beneficial for reducing inflammation.

Cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene – an antioxidant that may help protect against certain types of cancers. Olive oil is known to improve heart health by helping reduce bad cholesterol levels while promoting the good kind.

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tomato Basil Pasta is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together simplicity and flavor. Its preparation requires minimal effort yet yields impressive results every time. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or want to impress friends over casual gatherings, this recipe delivers both satisfaction and deliciousness.

Taking just 30 minutes out of your busy schedule, you can create a meal that is comforting, filling, and packed with flavor. So why wait? Start cooking today and enjoy the rich taste of homemade pasta. Bon appétit!