Checca Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil

Ingredients

• 350g (12 oz) spaghetti 350g (12 oz) spaghetti
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup (30g) fresh basil leaves, torn 1 cup (30g) fresh basil leaves, torn
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 54g, 4g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, torn basil leaves, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. 3.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the tomato mixture.
4. 4.
   Allow the flavors to meld together for a few minutes before serving.
5. 5.
   Serve the Checca Pasta warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional torn basil leaves if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Basil — Use fresh basil leaves for their aromatic qualities. Avoid over-chopping the basil to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil — Opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the taste of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a burst of freshness, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the Checca Pasta just before serving.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the tomatoes before dicing them.
• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red chili flakes to suit your taste.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the Checca Pasta.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as a refreshing pasta salad the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Checca Pasta as a main course for a light lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side salad and crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Checca Pasta with a sprinkle of freshly torn basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an elegant touch. Serve it in a shallow pasta bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.