Linguini With Fresh Tomato Sauce
Linguini with fresh tomato sauce features ripe tomatoes, basil, and garlic, offering a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for summer dinners or casual gatherings. Light, aromatic, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a heavy small skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add minced garlic and stir for three minutes; do not brown.
- Transfer the garlic and oil to a non-aluminum bowl.
- Mix in the coarsely chopped tomatoes and their liquid, remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, basil, and red wine vinegar.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Let stand for six hours.
- Just before serving, cook linguini in a large amount of boiling, salted water until just tender but still firm to bite.
- Drain well.
- Transfer the cooked linguini to a large bowl.
- Add olive oil and toss well.
- Add the tomato sauce and toss again.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use the ripest tomatoes you can find, as they will enhance the sauce's sweetness. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned San Marzano tomatoes can be a great substitute. To save time, prepare the sauce ahead and let it sit longer than six hours for deeper flavors. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the linguini topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This dish pairs beautifully with Margot'S Garlic Bread for a complete meal. A light green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes, balancing the richness of the pasta and enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pan to prevent the pasta from drying out. Gently heat over medium-low heat until warmed through. This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the fresh tomatoes can change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguini With Fresh Tomato Sauce contains roughly 374 calories, with 11g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 851mg per serving (37% 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 the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit overnight will enhance the flavors even more. Just store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before tossing it with the cooked linguini.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Opt for very ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. Varieties like Roma or heirloom tomatoes work well. If fresh tomatoes are not available, high-quality canned tomatoes, particularly San Marzano, can be a good alternative.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed Italian sausage can complement the dish nicely. Just cook the protein separately and mix it in with the linguini and sauce before serving for a heartier meal.
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).