Pasta with Fresh Tomato

Pasta with Fresh Tomato Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pasta with fresh tomato is a classic Italian dish that is simple yet bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Pasta with fresh tomato has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and pasta has been enjoyed by generations of Italians and has since become popular all over the world.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
1.5 lb (680 g) roma or other firm, ripe tomatoes, cored, halved, seeded, and coarsely chopped
2 tbsp basil leaves, finely shredded
2 tbsp italian parsley, chopped
2 tsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
2 tsp fresh marjoram leaves, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
pasta, thin to medium

How to prepare

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add the garlic and, once it starts to sizzle, stir in the tomatoes and herbs.
Sauté until the juices of the tomatoes thicken, approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
Pour the mixture over cooked pasta.

Variations

Add some cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Stir in some fresh spinach or arugula for added greens.
Top with some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Fresh herbs are key to this recipe, so try to use them if possible.

- Don't overcook the tomatoes, as you want them to retain some of their freshness and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pasta with fresh tomato with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the tomatoes and herbs in olive oil helps to bring out their flavors and create a delicious sauce for the pasta.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Just use about half the amount called for in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pasta with fresh tomato with some extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pasta with fresh tomato contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pasta with fresh tomato contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of pasta with fresh tomato contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of pasta with fresh tomato contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta. It can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Summary

Pasta with fresh tomato is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Pasta with fresh tomato is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With fresh tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was a warm summer day, the kind of day where the sun shines brightly and the air is filled with the sweet scent of ripe tomatoes. I had just returned from the farmer's market with a basket full of fresh, juicy tomatoes, and I knew I had to use them in a special dish.

As I stood in my kitchen, surrounded by the bounty of the season, I began to think about what I could make with these beautiful tomatoes. I remembered a dish that a friend had made for me years ago - pasta with fresh tomatoes. It was a simple and delicious recipe that highlighted the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, and I knew that I had to recreate it.

I started by slicing the tomatoes into thin wedges, reveling in their vibrant red color and juicy texture. I then sautéed them in a pan with some olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating - the rich scent of tomatoes mingling with the sharp tang of garlic and the subtle heat of the pepper.

Next, I cooked some pasta until it was al dente, and tossed it with the tomato mixture. I added a generous handful of fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The result was a dish that was both elegant and simple, a celebration of the flavors of the season.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I marveled at how something so basic could be so delicious. The sweetness of the tomatoes was perfectly balanced by the sharpness of the garlic and the richness of the cheese. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, a testament to the power of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Since that day, pasta with fresh tomatoes has become a staple in my kitchen. I make it whenever I can get my hands on ripe, juicy tomatoes, and it never fails to impress. It's a dish that embodies everything I love about cooking - simplicity, seasonality, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing it down from generation to generation. Each time I make it, I think back to that warm summer day when I first discovered it, and I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of life - good food, good company, and the love of cooking.

As I sit here now, writing this story, I can almost taste the flavors of that pasta with fresh tomatoes. The memory of that dish will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring joy and nourishment to our lives. And for that, I am truly grateful.