Linguine With Tomatoes And Basil
Linguine with fresh tomatoes, basil, and creamy Brie cheese offers a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for warm-weather meals or casual dinners. The combination of ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and rich cheese creates a delightful, easy-to-make pasta that appeals to both vegetable lovers and cheese enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomatoes, Brie cheese, basil, garlic, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and ground pepper in a large serving bowl.
- Cover and let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream. If you can't find Brie, Camembert or fresh mozzarella can be good substitutes. Adjust the salt to taste, especially if your Brie is particularly salty. Allowing the mixture to sit for at least 2 hours really enhances the flavors, making this dish perfect for summer gatherings or as a fresh take on easy Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the linguine warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional fresh basil for color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. It also complements well with a glass of chilled white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but reheating can still yield delicious results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguine With Tomatoes And Basil contains roughly 587 calories, with 21g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), iron (85% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2442mg per serving (106% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato and Brie mixture a few hours in advance and let it sit to develop flavors. Just cook the linguine right before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for fresh basil?
If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use dried basil, but reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley or arugula can provide a different but pleasant flavor.
What kind of tomatoes work best for this recipe?
Ripe Roma tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes are excellent choices due to their sweetness and low moisture content. Avoid using overly watery tomatoes to maintain the dish's desired texture.
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).