Pasta con Pomodoro e Basilico

Pasta con Pomodoro e Basilico is a classic Italian dish that celebrates the simplicity and freshness of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. This vibrant and flavorful pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a romantic meal for two.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti - 160 grams
• Ripe tomatoes - 400 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 20 grams
• Extra virgin olive oil - 30 milliliters
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - to taste
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams (optional)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. Blanch the ripe tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. Peel the skins off, remove the seeds, and chop the tomatoes.
3. In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet, along with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
5. Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce.
6. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
7. Stir in fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 490
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• High in fiber, promoting good digestion and heart health.

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