Summer Tomato Pasta
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, Summer Tomato Pasta is the ultimate go-to dish for warm-weather dining. This simple yet elegant recipe showcases the natural sweetness of ripe heirloom or cherry tomatoes, transformed into a light and juicy sauce with fragrant garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and vibrant fresh basil. Tossed with perfectly al dente spaghetti and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a hint of crushed red pepper for subtle heat, this pasta is a celebration of summer's best ingredients. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining. Serve it with a crisp seasonal salad and a loaf of crusty bread for a complete meal that embodies the taste of summer.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes (preferably heirloom or cherry tomatoes)
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, dice the fresh tomatoes into small chunks (if using cherry tomatoes, halve or quarter them). Set aside.
Step 3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 4
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes release their juices and form a light sauce.
Step 5
Tear the fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce. Let the basil wilt slightly in the heat of the sauce.
Step 6
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine with the tomato sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
Step 7
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8
Serve the Summer Tomato Pasta immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1366.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 901.8 |
| Total Fat 17.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 9.0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 40mg | 0% |
| Sodium 733.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 148.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 27.9g | |
| Protein 46.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 627.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2546.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories