Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of perfectly al dente pasta, draped in a vibrant, fresh tomato sauce that bursts with summer flavors. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary journey that transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this Italian-inspired dish promises to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with every single bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like seawater to properly season the pasta.
- While the water is heating, prepare the tomato sauce. In a large bowl, combine chopped fresh tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture sit at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together.
- 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.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help bind the sauce to the pasta if needed.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately transfer to the bowl with the fresh tomato sauce.
- Toss the pasta gently to coat evenly with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
- Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like seawater. This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find. The quality of your tomatoes will make or break this simple sauce.
- Let the tomato sauce sit at room temperature before mixing with pasta. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each strand of pasta.
- Toss the pasta with sauce immediately after draining to ensure even coating and prevent the pasta from cooling down too quickly.
- Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a few extra basil leaves for a restaurant-style presentation that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
