Fresh Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Delight
This delectable pasta dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, influenced by Giada De Laurentiis. Using simplistic yet high-quality elements such as ripe cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil, this recipe showcases how delicious cooking can be achieved with minimal effort. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish combines the comforting qualities of pasta with the refreshing zest of fresh herbs, making it a go-to for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghettini
8 ounces (Cooked al dente.)
Scallions
4 (Coarsely chopped (white and pale green parts only).)
Garlic cloves
3 (Crushed.)
Cherry tomatoes
12 ounces (Halved.)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (Coarsely chopped.)
Fresh basil leaves
8-10 (Whole.)
Salt
to taste (N/A.)
Black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground.)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (N/A.)
Fresh mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (Cut into 1/2-inch cubes.)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the fresh tomato sauce. In a food processor, combine the scallions, crushed garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves. Pulse the mixture until the tomatoes are roughly chopped, ensuring the sauce maintains some texture. Avoid pureeing.
3
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and then thoroughly drain the pasta.
4
In a large serving bowl, combine the drained pasta with the freshly processed tomato mixture and cubed mozzarella cheese. Gently toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a cohesive sauce that clings to the pasta.
5
Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil and a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
20g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Fresh Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Delight.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of Spaghettini.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked in a large pot of salted water until al dente, typically about 8 minutes.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is categorized as vegetarian.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this dish?
The recipe specifies using 12 ounces of cherry tomatoes, halved.
What ingredients are included in the fresh tomato sauce?
The sauce consists of scallions, crushed garlic, cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
Should the sauce be pureed?
No, the sauce should be pulsed in a food processor until roughly chopped to maintain texture.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 crushed garlic cloves.
What part of the scallions should be used?
Use 4 scallions, focusing on the white and pale green parts, coarsely chopped.
How much parmesan cheese is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped parmesan cheese.
How many fresh basil leaves are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 to 10 whole fresh basil leaves.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
What type of mozzarella is used and how is it prepared?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 150 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This pasta dish contains 6g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the recipe?
The dish provides 5g of protein per serving.
Is there fiber or sugar information available?
No, fiber and sugar data are not provided for this recipe.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserved pasta water is used to help create a cohesive sauce that clings to the pasta when tossing.
Who is the culinary influence for this recipe?
This recipe is influenced by Giada De Laurentiis.
What equipment is needed to make the sauce?
A food processor is required to pulse the fresh ingredients together.
How should the dish be garnished?
Garnish the dish with additional basil and a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include pasta, tomato, basil, garlic, simple meal, one dish, italian cuisine, and vegetarian.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 10 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a simple meal that can be achieved with minimal effort.
How much pasta water should be reserved?
You should reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
What is the texture of the mozzarella in the final dish?
The mozzarella is cubed and tossed into the hot pasta to melt slightly and create a cohesive dish.
Should the pasta be served hot or cold?
The recipe recommends serving the dish immediately after tossing.
Can I substitute the spaghettini?
While the recipe calls for spaghettini, you could use a similar long pasta, though cooking times may vary.
What is the main goal of pulsing the tomato mixture?
Pulsing ensures the ingredients are combined and roughly chopped without losing their texture.