Recipe: Classic Tomato Basil Pasta
Here’s a simple recipe for Classic Tomato Basil Pasta:
Ingredients:
- 200g pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 400g canned diced tomatoes (or fresh ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped (save some for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant and golden – be careful not to burn it.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice if using canned). Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Basil: Stir in the chopped basil and cook for another minute until the basil is wilted and fragrant.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling over the top, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious, aromatic Classic Tomato Basil Pasta! This dish is wonderfully simple but packed with the fresh flavors of tomato and basil. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual dining occasion.