Name: Fresh Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 300g spaghetti or your favorite pasta; 4 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (Roma or heirloom varieties are great); 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice); ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

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Introduction

Fresh Tomato Pasta is a simple and delicious dish that highlights the bright, natural flavors of ripe tomatoes. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal cooking, you can create a light and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

This image shows a bowl of tagliatelle pasta covered with a rich tomato sauce. The pasta strands are long, yellow, and slightly curled, mixed with pieces of red tomato chunks. The sauce looks thick and coats the pasta well, with small bits of green herbs scattered evenly on top. There is a generous sprinkle of grated cheese over the whole dish, adding a grainy white texture. The bowl is white, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

300g spaghetti or your favorite pasta
4 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (Roma or heirloom varieties are great)
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the oil and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the tomatoes start to break down and create a sauce.
Step 5: Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Step 6: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato mixture.
Step 7: Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 8: Add the chopped fresh basil leaves and toss gently to combine.
Step 9: Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also lightly peel them if you prefer a smoother sauce.
For extra richness, add a splash of cream or a pat of butter to the sauce before serving.
If you like it spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil.
Try substituting the basil with fresh oregano or parsley for a different herb flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Fresh Tomato Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid drying out the sauce, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to loosen it.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with fettuccine pasta coated evenly in a light orange creamy sauce, mixed with chunks of bright red cherry tomatoes placed throughout. The pasta strands are soft and curved, layered in thick clumps forming the bulk of the dish. Scattered on top are bits of chopped dark green herbs adding contrast, and a light dusting of finely grated white cheese is sprinkled generously over everything. The bowl itself is white, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes can be used in a pinch, but fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture for this dish.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! Just substitute regular pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta.