Pasta with Tomato and Basil

Pasta with Tomato and Basil is a light and refreshing Lebanese dish that combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the fragrant aroma of fresh basil. This healthy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat pasta - 150 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ripe tomatoes - 300 grams, diced
• Fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup, chopped
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated (optional)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat 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 minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
5. Season the tomato mixture with salt and black pepper, then stir in the chopped fresh basil.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato and basil mixture, tossing well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from whole wheat pasta, which aids digestion.
• Tomatoes are high in antioxidants, promoting heart health.

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