Vegan Tomato Basil Pasta

This Vegan Tomato Basil Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes with fragrant basil, creating a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. It's quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or penne) - 200 grams
• Fresh tomatoes, diced - 400 grams
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/2 cup
• Garlic, minced - 3 cloves
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 teaspoon
• Nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor) - 2 tablespoons

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to break down and release their juices.
5. Season the tomato mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the tomato mixture.
7. Toss the pasta in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
8. Stir in the chopped basil and nutritional yeast, mixing well to combine.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from fresh tomatoes, which help reduce inflammation.
• High in fiber from whole grain pasta and tomatoes, promoting digestive health.

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