Summer Harvest Tomato Pasta Medley
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this delightful Summer Harvest Tomato Pasta Medley. A perfect dish for utilizing an abundance of fresh, juicy tomatoes at the end of the season, this recipe allows the natural sweetness of the tomatoes to shine through. Enhanced by fragrant herbs and a creamy touch of evaporated milk, each bite is a celebration of the garden's bounty. Whether you use a variety of heirloom tomatoes or your favorite type, this versatile dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Serve it as a light main course or a side dish for barbecues and gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
tomatoes
3 lbs (peeled and chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (as is)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (minced (or 1 tsp dried))
fresh basil
1 tablespoon (minced (or 1 tsp dried))
fresh oregano
2 teaspoons (minced (or 3/4 tsp dried))
sodium-free seasoning
1 teaspoon (as is)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (as is)
fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 cup (as is)
pasta
1 lb (cooked and drained)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2
Carefully dip the tomatoes into the boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then transfer them to an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, peel off the skins, chop the pulp, and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4
Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet along with the fresh parsley, basil, oregano, sodium-free seasoning, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes have broken down slightly and the flavors meld together.
6
Stir in the fat-free evaporated milk and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return it to the pot.
8
Pour the tomato mixture over the hot pasta and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Harvest Tomato Pasta Medley?
It is a vibrant dish that celebrates fresh garden tomatoes combined with fragrant herbs, olive oil, and a touch of creamy evaporated milk served over pasta.
How many tomatoes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 3 pounds of fresh tomatoes.
What is the easiest way to peel the tomatoes?
Dip the tomatoes in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. The skins will peel off easily.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley with 1 teaspoon dried, 1 tablespoon fresh basil with 1 teaspoon dried, and 2 teaspoons fresh oregano with 3/4 teaspoon dried.
Why is fat-free evaporated milk used?
Evaporated milk provides a creamy texture to the tomato sauce while remaining lower in fat than heavy cream.
What type of pasta works best for this medley?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of your favorite pasta, typically shapes that hold sauce well like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
How long should I simmer the tomato sauce?
Simmer the mixture for approximately 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes break down and flavors meld.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
Is this recipe low in sodium?
The recipe utilizes sodium-free seasoning and fresh ingredients to help keep the sodium content lower.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
The shredded Parmesan cheese should be sprinkled over the pasta immediately before serving.
Can I use heirloom tomatoes?
Yes, using a variety of heirloom tomatoes is encouraged to enhance the flavor and visual appeal of the dish.
What is the role of olive oil in this recipe?
Olive oil is used to sauté the minced garlic and provides a base for the fresh tomato sauce.
How do I avoid burning the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for only about 1 minute over medium-high heat until it becomes fragrant.
Can this dish be served as a side?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as a light main course or a side dish for barbecues and gatherings.
Should I cook the pasta all the way through?
The pasta should be cooked until it is 'al dente' according to the package directions.
How much evaporated milk is added?
You should stir in 1/4 cup of fat-free evaporated milk.
What seasonings are included besides herbs?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of sodium-free seasoning and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Do I need to chop the tomatoes after peeling?
Yes, once the skins are removed, the pulp should be chopped before adding it to the skillet.
What temperature should the water be for blanching tomatoes?
The water should be at a rolling boil over high heat.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on tomatoes, you could easily add sautéed zucchini or peppers to enhance the harvest theme.
Is there a specific amount of parsley needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced fresh parsley.
How much basil is used?
Use 1 tablespoon of minced fresh basil.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of minced fresh oregano.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk is thicker and creamier; regular milk may make the sauce too thin unless reduced significantly.
Does this recipe contain meat?
No, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the tomato sauce can be simmered ahead of time and reheated before tossing with fresh pasta.
What is the preparation for the Parmesan?
The Parmesan should be shredded, and you need about 1/4 cup.
How long do I heat the milk in the sauce?
Heat the evaporated milk through for an additional 2-3 minutes after stirring it into the tomato mixture.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is specifically designed to utilize the abundance of fresh tomatoes typically available during the summer harvest.
How do I finish the dish?
Pour the tomato mixture over the hot, drained pasta, toss gently, and serve immediately with Parmesan.