Imagine a dish that captures the essence of summer in every single bite - vibrant, fresh, and bursting with incredible flavor. This Summer Heirloom Tomato Herb Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen. With sun-ripened heirloom tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe promises to transport you to the rolling hills of Italy with just one forkful.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
- 2 cups heirloom tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the fresh tomato sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped heirloom tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, and olive oil.
- Season the tomato mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss to combine and let sit at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
- When pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Immediately transfer the hot pasta to the bowl with the tomato mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Plate the pasta in individual serving dishes, ensuring an even distribution of the fresh tomatoes and herbs.
- Finish by generously grating fresh Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is still warm, allowing the heat to slightly warm the fresh tomato sauce.
Tips
- • Choose the ripest, most colorful heirloom tomatoes for maximum flavor intensity • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the sauce's richness • Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea • Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce texture • Let the tomato mixture sit at room temperature to develop deeper flavors • Toss pasta immediately after cooking to ensure even coating • Fresh Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable for the ultimate finishing touch • Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its peak temperature and texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
