Indulge in the delightful flavors of Tomato Basil Pasta, a simple yet elegant dish that combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the aromatic freshness of basil. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, bringing a taste of Italy to your table.
While most of the ingredients for this Tomato Basil Pasta recipe are commonly found in your pantry, you might need to pick up fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes from the supermarket. Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor that dried basil simply can't match, and cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness that complements the dish perfectly.
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Spaghetti: A type of pasta that serves as the base for this dish.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adds a rich, fruity flavor.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic element to the dish.
Cherry tomatoes: Provide sweetness and a juicy texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Introduce a spicy kick to the pasta.
Basil leaves: Fresh and aromatic, they elevate the dish with their unique flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish when grated on top.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When sautéing the garlic in olive oil, make sure to keep the heat at medium to avoid burning it. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your tomato basil pasta. Instead, aim for a light golden color, which will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
spaghetti - Substitute with zucchini noodles: For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles provide a similar texture and can absorb the flavors of the sauce well.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish similarly to garlic.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and juiciness, making them a good replacement.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can still provide the necessary heat and spice.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a similar level of heat, though it is more intense, so use sparingly.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can add a bright, herbaceous note, though it is less aromatic than basil.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy, umami flavor and is a good vegan alternative.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the spaghetti to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
- Transfer the tomato basil pasta into an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The pasta will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- For freezing, portion the pasta into individual servings. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
- Place each portion into a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the pasta has been stored.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the texture.
- Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking and to revive the sauce.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil in a skillet and heat over medium.
- Add the leftover Tomato Basil Pasta and a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent sticking.
- Stir occasionally until heated through, ensuring the cherry tomatoes and basil retain their vibrant flavors.
Microwave Method:
- Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a tablespoon of water or olive oil to keep it moist.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes and sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese.
Boiling Water Method:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Place the leftover pasta in a colander.
- Dip the colander into the boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Drain well and serve immediately, ensuring the basil and parmesan cheese are still fresh and flavorful.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used to cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked spaghetti.
Large skillet: Needed to heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic and tomatoes.
Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the garlic, tomatoes, and spaghetti in the skillet.
Chef's knife: Ideal for mincing the garlic and chopping the fresh basil leaves.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for mincing garlic and chopping basil.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese for serving.
Serving bowl: Perfect for mixing the pasta with the sauce and serving the final dish.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop garlic, halve cherry tomatoes, and grate parmesan cheese in advance to streamline cooking.
Use pre-cooked pasta: Opt for pre-cooked spaghetti to cut down on boiling time.
One-pot method: Cook spaghetti directly in the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic to save on cleanup.
Fresh basil storage: Store fresh basil in a glass of water in the fridge to keep it fresh and ready to use.
Quick sauté: Heat olive oil and sauté garlic while the spaghetti cooks to multitask efficiently.
Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
- Toss in cooked spaghetti and fresh basil. Mix well.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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