Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: tomato pasta! It’s the kind of meal that’s not only simple but incredibly delicious—perfect for those busy weeknights or when you just want something comforting. The burst of juicy cherry tomatoes combined with perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist! What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms such basic ingredients into something that feels special. Trust me, once the garlic hits the pan and those tomatoes start to pop, you’ll be hooked! Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone at the table. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful tomato pasta adventure together!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious tomato pasta. I promise it’s super straightforward and you probably have most of these items in your kitchen already!

• 200g pasta (your choice – spaghetti, penne, or whatever you love!)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (the sweeter, the better!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this; it adds so much flavor!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for that rich taste)
• Salt to taste (just a pinch, but you can always add more later)
• Black pepper to taste (freshly cracked is best for that kick)
• Fresh basil leaves (a handful to garnish and brighten everything up)

Feel free to adjust these ingredients based on what you have on hand—this recipe is all about flexibility and making it your own!

How to Prepare Tomato Pasta

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! I promise this tomato pasta comes together in a flash, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling away, add in your 200g of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—usually around 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
2. Heat the oil: While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want it warm but not smoking! This is where the magic begins.
3. Sauté the garlic: Add your minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute. Just until it becomes fragrant—wow, you’ll love this smell! Be careful not to burn it, or it’ll turn bitter.
4. Add the tomatoes: Now, toss in those beautiful cherry tomatoes and watch them sizzle. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to burst and release all their juicy goodness. This is the flavor explosion we’re after!
5. Season it up: Season your tomato mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. This is where you can really customize it, so trust your palate!
6. Toss everything together: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it (but save a bit of that pasta water!). Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help everything stick together nicely.
7. Finish with basil: Finally, sprinkle a handful of fresh basil leaves over the top and give it one last gentle toss. You’re ready to serve this vibrant dish!

And there you have it—your homemade tomato pasta! It’s simple, fresh, and oh-so-good! Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind! The following estimates are based on a typical serving of this delightful tomato pasta:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg

This pasta is not only a tasty option, but it also packs a decent amount of nutrients! Enjoy it as part of a balanced meal, and feel free to adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Uses simple, fresh ingredients that pack a flavor punch.
• Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone.
• Customizable to your taste with added spices or veggies.
• Deliciously comforting and satisfying, yet light!
• Great for meal prep or leftovers—tastes even better the next day!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your tomato pasta turns out absolutely amazing! First off, using freshly picked cherry tomatoes really makes a difference—trust me, their natural sweetness shines through! If you can find them at a local farmers’ market, grab some! Also, don’t hesitate to adjust your seasoning. Taste as you go; a little extra salt or pepper can elevate those flavors beautifully.

Another tip: when you’re cooking the pasta, don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy cooking water before draining! It’s a great trick to help the sauce cling to the pasta and make everything creamy. Lastly, feel free to throw in some veggies like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and color. Get creative! This recipe is all about making it your own, so have fun with it!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

Let’s talk about some ingredient swaps that can make this tomato pasta even more fabulous! If you’re looking for a healthier twist, try using whole wheat pasta or even chickpea pasta—it adds a nice nutty flavor and extra protein!

For the cherry tomatoes, if they’re out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead—just drain them a bit before adding to the pan. Fresh basil is a must for that aromatic touch, but if you don’t have any, dried basil or even parsley can work in a pinch. And if garlic isn’t your thing, feel free to use shallots for a milder flavor. Remember, cooking is all about personal preference, so don’t be afraid to mix it up!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your tomato pasta experience, consider pairing it with a crisp side salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette. A simple arugula salad with lemon juice and olive oil complements the dish beautifully! You could also serve it alongside some warm garlic bread for that perfect dipping experience. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful touch of richness. Trust me, these sides will take your meal to the next level!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so good!), storing your tomato pasta is super easy. Just let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to keep it moist and flavorful. Give it a good stir until heated through, and you’ll have a delicious meal once more!

Tomato Pasta: 7 Irresistible Steps to Pure Comfort

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and delicious tomato pasta dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 200g pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they burst.
5. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato mixture.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

• Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
• Adjust seasoning according to your taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: tomato pasta, easy pasta, Italian recipe