How to Make a Delicious Tomato Basil Pasta

Tomato basil pasta is a classic Italian dish that has been beloved by many for generations. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes and serves up to four people. If you're looking for an easy recipe to impress your family or friends, this one is perfect.

Ingredients:

• 400 grams of pasta
• 2 large ripe tomatoes
• 1 small onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Steps to Prepare Tomato Basil Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

In the meantime, prepare your sauce. Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. Heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they soften but not brown. This should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic to the same pan and cook for another minute or so until fragrant.

Meanwhile, core your tomatoes and cut them into small pieces. Once the garlic is ready, transfer it into a blender along with half of the chopped basil leaves. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth sauce consistency.

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan where the onion was cooking. Pour in the blended tomato mixture and let it simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. Season the sauce generously with salt, pepper, and additional fresh basil if desired.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly but keep some of the pasta water aside (about a cup). Return your pasta back to the pot and mix in half of the tomato basil sauce. If needed, you can add some of that reserved pasta water to create a slight creaminess for better mixing.

To finish off your dish, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over it if you like, but this step is optional as the flavors from tomatoes and basil are already very rich.

Tips & Variations

If you want to make this dish even more flavorful, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes towards the end of cooking your sauce. For a vegetarian version, ensure that no meat products are used in any part of the preparation process.

An alternative can be adding mushrooms or bell peppers into the sauce mix for added texture and nutrition. You could also experiment with other herbs like oregano or rosemary to give your dish different tastes depending upon personal preference.

Health Benefits

This dish is not only delicious but also packed full of nutritious value. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C, K, and B6; they also contain lycopene which helps fight against cardiovascular diseases. Basil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion. Combined with whole wheat pasta or quinoa instead of refined grains can provide additional fiber benefits.

Tomato basil pasta isn't just about taste; it's good for you too! Enjoy your meal!