Name: Tomato Basil Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 200 grams penne pasta; 300 grams cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons olive oil ((30 ml)); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 100 grams fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze ((15 ml)); 100 grams mozzarella balls; 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese; 20 ml lemon juice; 30 grams toasted pine nuts; Salt and pepper to taste

Introduction

Experience a delightful culinary journey with this Tomato Basil Pasta recipe, perfect for a relaxing meal on 2025-02-20. This dish combines the comforting classic elements of a beloved recipe with a unique twist, creating a new favorite for your dining table. Embrace the freshness of tomatoes and basil, enhanced with a hint of innovation for a truly memorable meal.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

200 grams penne pasta
300 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
4 cloves garlic, minced
100 grams fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (15 ml)
100 grams mozzarella balls
Salt and pepper to taste
50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
20 ml lemon juice
30 grams toasted pine nuts

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Enjoy the blend of flavors in this Tomato Basil Pasta with a twist, and make it a regular feature at your dining table!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 200 grams of penne pasta and cook until al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Ensure to reserve 100 ml of the pasta water before draining the pasta.

Sauté the Garlic

In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Gently sauté 4 minced garlic cloves until fragrant, taking care not to let them brown, which should take around 1 minute.

Add Cherry Tomatoes

Introduce 300 grams of halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook them down, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin releasing their juicy goodness, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Incorporate Pasta Water

Stir in the reserved pasta water and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, blending the flavors beautifully.

Toss in the Cooked Pasta

Add the drained penne pasta into the pan. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to toss the pasta, ensuring it gets thoroughly coated with the flavorful tomato mixture.

Add Fresh Ingredients

Gently fold in 100 grams of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves, 100 grams of mozzarella balls, and 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze. Allow the mozzarella to start melting into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Seasoning Time

Season your dish with salt, pepper, 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese, and 20 ml of lemon juice. Mix everything well to harmonize the flavors together.

Final Touch: Pine Nuts

For a delightful crunch, toss in 30 grams of toasted pine nuts just before serving. This adds a layer of texture and enhances the dish’s overall profile.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to bring back the creamiest consistency.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to swap out cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes or add grilled chicken for added protein.

Cooking Tips

To avoid overcooking the pasta, taste it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time is up. The pasta should be firm to the bite.

Cook Techniques

Cooking Pasta

Cooking pasta properly is essential for any pasta dish. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining, as it can help to thicken and flavor the sauce.

Sautéing

Sautéing is a quick and effective cooking method that involves cooking food over medium to high heat with a small amount of oil. In this recipe, you sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, which typically takes about 1 minute. This technique helps to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Simmering

Simmering allows flavors to meld together while keeping the liquids gently bubbling. After adding reserved pasta water to the sautéed tomatoes, letting it simmer for a few minutes helps to thicken the sauce and integrates the flavors.

Tossing

Tossing is crucial in ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Once the pasta is added to the tomato mixture, continue to toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and allow the flavors to meld together.

Seasoning

Proper seasoning enhances the dish significantly. Taste the pasta before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, and other seasonings to ensure a balanced flavor profile. Adding fresh ingredients like basil and lemon juice at the end preserves their flavor and brightness.

Garnishing

Garnishing not only improves the presentation of a dish but also adds texture and flavor. In this recipe, toasted pine nuts are added as a final touch for a crunchy contrast to the soft ingredients, enhancing both the visual appeal and taste.

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can easily substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti, depending on your preference.

What can I use instead of mozzarella balls?

If you don’t have mozzarella balls, you can use shredded mozzarella cheese or another creamy cheese like burrata or ricotta for a similar texture.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for balsamic glaze?

Yes, balsamic vinegar can be used as an alternative to balsamic glaze. However, you may want to reduce it on the stovetop for a thicker consistency.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed freshly made, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauté the sauce separately, then combine when ready to serve to maintain the best texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Conclusion

Indulging in this Tomato Basil Pasta with a Twist provides not just a meal but an experience of freshness and flavor. The careful combination of ripe cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and creamy mozzarella creates a comforting dish with a modern flair. Perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe showcases how traditional elements can be revitalized to create something truly unique and unforgettable.

Tomato Spinach Pasta Salad

A refreshing cold salad featuring penne pasta tossed with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Top with feta cheese and olives for a Mediterranean touch.

Roasted Vegetable Pasta

Enhance your pasta by adding a mix of roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions. Toss with the tomato and basil combination for a hearty dish.

Pesto Tomato Basil Pasta

Elevate the flavors by incorporating a homemade or store-bought pesto. Mix it with the tomato sauce for an intense burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Spicy Tomato Basil Pasta

Add a kick to your dish by introducing red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. The heat will balance beautifully with the fresh basil and garlic.

Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta

Incorporate grilled or sautéed chicken strips into the mix for a protein-packed meal. The chicken pairs well with the tomato and basil, enhancing the overall dish.

Tomato Basil Cream Pasta

For a richer version, stir in a hint of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese to the sauce. It creates a velvety texture that complements the lightness of the tomatoes and basil.