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Tomato Basil Pasta

Quick and Delicious Tomato Basil Pasta for Busy Nights

This Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy nights, ready in just 17 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes Substitute with 2.5 cups of diced fresh tomatoes if desired.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Extra virgin is recommended for optimal flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar Optional, can be replaced with red wine vinegar.
For the Pasta
  • 16 ounces Thin Spaghetti Can be substituted with gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • 0.5 cups Pasta Water Essential for creating the sauce texture.
For the Finish
  • 0.5 cups Fresh Basil Substitute with dried basil, but use less due to potency.
  • 0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese Can be omitted for a dairy-free option or substituted with nutritional yeast.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 16 ounces of thin spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add your canned diced tomatoes (or fresh diced tomatoes) along with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it carefully in a colander and reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.
  4. Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with your tomato sauce. Toss together generously and add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired texture.
  5. Gently fold in ½ cup of freshly chopped basil and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingsCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of reserved tomato juice or water.

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