Fettuccine With Fresh Tomatoes And Basil
A quick and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan, perfect for a light, summery meal that highlights vibrant, fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook fettuccine al dente; drain.
- In a heavy skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, and a pinch of sugar.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add chopped parsley, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Add cooked fettuccine to the tomato mixture and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese; toss to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomato mixture. If fresh basil isn't available, you can substitute with 1 tsp of dried basil, but fresh is preferred for this dish. To add protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can be added to the fettuccine. This dish pairs beautifully with Small Italian Cheesecake for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fettuccine warm, garnished with additional chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, or crusty bread for sopping up the sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Deep Dish Antipasto.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to the skillet and warm over low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving as it may make the fettuccine gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fettuccine With Fresh Tomatoes And Basil contains roughly 637 calories, with 18g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 538mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with other pasta shapes like penne or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose to ensure it is cooked al dente.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making it a great choice for those following a plant-based diet.
How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for some heat or a splash of white wine while cooking the tomatoes. Additionally, fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can be incorporated for added depth in flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).