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+ servings
Tomato Basil Pasta

Quick Tomato Basil Pasta: Fresh, Flavorful Family Delight

A delightful Tomato Basil Pasta recipe that’s simple and bursting with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Thin Spaghetti Feel free to swap it for any pasta you love.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Opt for extra virgin for best results.
  • 2.5 cups Fresh Tomatoes Or one 14.5 oz can if preferred.
  • 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar Red wine vinegar is a fine substitute.
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Dried basil works in a pinch.
For the Finishing Touch
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Omit for dairy-free or substitute with nutritional yeast.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Colander
  • Tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add thin spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes until it shimmers.
  3. Add diced tomatoes and a splash of balsamic vinegar to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add about half a cup of reserved pasta water to the tomato mixture and simmer for another minute.
  5. Toss the drained spaghetti in the skillet with the sauce until evenly coated. Add more pasta water if necessary.
  6. Remove from heat and fold in fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, cook pasta al dente and reserve more pasta water than needed for a silky sauce. Add fresh basil just before serving to maximize flavor.

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