Fresh Tomato and Basil Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 350g (12 oz) spaghetti 350g (12 oz) spaghetti
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 54g, 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, torn basil leaves, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. 3.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the tomato mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. 4.
   Serve the spaghetti in individual bowls, garnished with 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 cherry tomatoes instead.
• Basil — Tear the basil leaves just before adding them to the dish to preserve their freshness and aroma.
• Olive oil — Opt for extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can lightly sauté the diced tomatoes in olive oil for a few minutes before combining them with the other ingredients.
• If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add some grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to give the dish a unique twist.
• If you have leftovers, the flavors will meld together even more, making it a delicious option for the next day's lunch.

Serving advice

Serve the Fresh Tomato and Basil Spaghetti as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It is also a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or seafood.

Presentation advice

Garnish each serving of spaghetti with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil will make the dish visually appealing.