Pasta With Fresh Tomatoes And Herbs
A fresh and vibrant pasta dish featuring ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and extra virgin olive oil, perfect for summer meals or light, flavorful dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the fresh ripe tomatoes and finely chop the basil, parsley, mint, and sage.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes and herbs.
- Splash the mixture with hot extra virgin olive oil and season with fresh ground black pepper.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the tomato and herb mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chilled as a refreshing summer dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor. If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs can be used, but reduce the quantity by about two-thirds. You can also experiment with other herbs like oregano or thyme. For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken or beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta dish with a light salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like garlic bread or a refreshing glass of white wine. For a twist, add crumbled feta or mozzarella for added creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to restore moisture. This dish is also delicious served cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Fresh Tomatoes And Herbs contains roughly 379 calories, with 16g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), iron (96% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. At about 379 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor, you can substitute with high-quality canned tomatoes if necessary. Just drain them well and adjust the seasoning accordingly, as canned tomatoes can be saltier.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any pasta shape will work well, but long noodles like spaghetti or linguine are ideal for capturing the sauce. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. For added protein, consider tossing in chickpeas or lentils. You can also enhance the flavor with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.
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).