Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 350g (12 oz) pasta 350g (12 oz) pasta
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, torn basil leaves, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. 3.
   Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Pour the sautéed garlic into the tomato mixture and stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked pasta to the tomato sauce and toss until evenly coated.
6. 6.
   Serve the pasta in individual bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best results. If they are not in season, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Garlic — Sautéing the garlic lightly enhances its flavor and reduces its pungency. Be careful not to burn it.
• Basil — Tear the basil leaves just before adding them to the sauce to preserve their freshness and aroma.
• Extra virgin olive oil — Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Parmesan cheese — For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add sautéed vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to add variety to the dish.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend half of the diced tomatoes before mixing them with the rest.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as a refreshing pasta salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Presentation advice

Garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal of the dish.