Imagine a dish so vibrant and delicious that it transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with just one bite. This Fresh Tomato Pasta Toss is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that combines the simplicity of fresh ingredients with the magic of quick, elegant cooking. Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties, this recipe transforms ordinary pasta into an extraordinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta, 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This will enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Add the 8 ounces of pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Next, add the 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes and garlic. Toss everything together to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Plate the pasta toss and garnish with extra fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your Fresh Tomato Pasta Toss!
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Select ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Look for tomatoes that are firm but have a slight give when gently squeezed.
- Don't Overcook the Garlic: Sauté garlic just until fragrant to prevent bitterness. Golden is good, burnt is bad!
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is liquid gold - it helps create a silky sauce and helps the ingredients stick together.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta will continue to cook when mixed with the hot tomatoes, ensuring perfect texture.
- Fresh Basil is Key: Add basil at the very end to preserve its bright flavor and aroma. Tear the leaves instead of chopping for more intense flavor release.
- Quick Serving is Best: This pasta is most delicious when served immediately, so have your plates ready before the final toss!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
