Garden-Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
Elevate your pasta experience with this vibrant and aromatic Garden-Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce. A delightful harmony of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and robust garlic delivers a sauce that bursts with fresh flavors. This recipe, born from a pantry challenge, transforms simple, everyday ingredients into an exceptional culinary delight. With endless variations and a quick preparation time, it's perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a dish that suits every palate.
6
Servings
108
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw tomatoes
4 (medium to large, chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
olive oil
1/3 cup (extra virgin)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (n/a)
sugar
1 tablespoon (n/a)
salt
to taste (n/a)
pepper
to taste (n/a)
fresh basil
2 cups (washed and packed)
pine nuts
optional (toasted, for garnish)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for basil puree)
Instructions
1
In a blender or food processor, combine chopped tomatoes, 1/3 cup olive oil, melted butter, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and set aside.
2
In a separate container, puree the fresh basil with 1/4 cup olive oil and optional pine nuts until well blended and creamy.
3
Cook your choice of pasta (farfalle, rigatoni, or penne) according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce and basil puree, stirring gently to incorporate. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5
Serve immediately over cooked pasta, and consider topping with crumbled goat cheese, freshly grated Parmesan, toasted nuts, or your choice of protein like Italian turkey sausage, shrimp, or grilled chicken.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
8.3g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in the Garden-Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce?
The main ingredients include 4 medium to large raw tomatoes, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 cups of fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
Is this pasta sauce recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses fresh vegetables, oil, butter, and seasonings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this tomato basil sauce contains approximately 108 calories.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this sauce?
The recipe suggests using farfalle, rigatoni, or penne pasta cooked until al dente.
Do I need a food processor to make this sauce?
Yes, you will need a blender or food processor to combine the tomato base and to puree the fresh basil.
What type of tomatoes should be used?
The recipe calls for 4 raw tomatoes that are medium to large in size and chopped.
How do I prepare the basil for the sauce?
Wash and pack 2 cups of fresh basil, then puree it with 1/4 cup of olive oil and optional pine nuts until creamy.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving of this sauce?
There are 8.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there protein in this pasta sauce?
Yes, there is approximately 1.7g of protein per serving.
Why is balsamic vinegar added to the sauce?
Three tablespoons of balsamic vinegar are added to the tomato mixture to provide a tangy depth of flavor.
Is sugar necessary in this recipe?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the raw tomatoes and vinegar.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, suggested proteins include Italian turkey sausage, shrimp, or grilled chicken.
Are pine nuts required for the basil puree?
No, pine nuts are listed as an optional ingredient for the puree or as a garnish.
What cheese goes best with Garden-Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce?
Crumbled goat cheese or freshly grated Parmesan are highly recommended as toppings.
How much olive oil is needed for the entire recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 7/12 cup of olive oil (1/3 cup for the tomato base and 1/4 cup for the basil puree).
How do I assemble the final dish?
Stir the tomato sauce and basil puree together in a large mixing bowl and serve immediately over cooked pasta.
Should the tomatoes be cooked before blending?
No, the tomatoes are blended raw with oil, butter, vinegar, and seasonings.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce is blended until smooth and the basil is pureed until creamy, resulting in a vibrant, smooth consistency.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including salt, pepper, and optional items.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include pasta sauce, fresh ingredients, tomato basil, easy recipe, and Italian cuisine.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, the instructions suggest adjusting salt and pepper to taste before serving.
What kind of oil should I use for the best flavor?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for both the tomato base and the basil puree.
Is the garlic raw or sautéed?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of minced garlic to be blended raw into the tomato sauce.
Can this sauce be used for quick weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for busy weeknights due to its quick preparation time.
Does the recipe use butter?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of melted butter are incorporated into the tomato sauce blend.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
Are there suggestions for adding texture to the dish?
Adding toasted nuts or proteins like shrimp can provide additional texture to the meal.
How is the basil puree incorporated?
The basil puree is stirred gently into the tomato sauce base in a large mixing bowl before serving.