Pasta With Basil, Plum Tomatoes And Garlic(For One Person)
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring fresh basil, juicy plum tomatoes, and aromatic garlic. Drizzled with lemon juice and topped with Parmesan, it offers a perfect balance of freshness and richness. Ideal for a quick, satisfying meal that highlights simple, high-quality ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add roasted and mashed garlic, basil strips, and julienned plum tomatoes to the pan.
- Cook until the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Add lemon juice to the pan and toss with the cooked pasta.
- Toss lightly to combine all ingredients.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil. If plum tomatoes are unavailable, substitute with cherry tomatoes. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This dish can easily be made vegetarian by skipping the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative. It pairs beautifully with Chocolate Italian Cream Cake for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors well. For an Italian touch, consider pairing it with Vegetable Lasagna(Eating Light) or other Italian recipes to create a themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil and a bit of water to help restore moisture in the pasta. Heat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Basil, Plum Tomatoes And Garlic(For One Person) contains roughly 4146 calories, with 42g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 408g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (152% of the Daily Value), calcium (99% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 811mg per serving (35% 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 dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried basil, but use about one-third of the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Add the dried basil earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavors to meld with the dish.
What can I add for protein?
To add protein, consider including grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Simply toss them in with the pasta before serving to warm them through.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead for meal prep. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate until you're ready to eat to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Reheat as directed for a quick 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).