Pasta With Tomato And Basil
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, balanced with garlic and olive oil. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering, it showcases the bright, summery flavors of Mediterranean cuisine and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drop tomatoes into boiling water for about 10 seconds, then peel and chop them.
- Chop basil leaves and mince garlic.
- Shred mozzarella cheese.
- Mix chopped tomatoes, basil, garlic, cheese, and olive oil in a covered bowl and let stand at room temperature for at least 3 hours.
- Cook fusilli pasta in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Add the tomato mixture to the hot pasta and toss well to combine.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using heirloom tomatoes for a richer taste. If fresh basil isn't available, dried basil can be used, but reduce the amount as it's more concentrated. For a creamier texture, try adding a splash of cream or using burrata cheese instead of mozzarella. This dish also pairs well with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with a light Spinach Salad Parmesan on the side or a simple Herb Dressing drizzled over the top. This dish is perfect for a summer meal or a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 or a bit of water to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Tomato And Basil contains roughly 724 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes for fresh, especially if they are San Marzano or another high-quality variety. Use about 28 ounces of canned tomatoes for this recipe. Drain excess liquid to avoid a soupy pasta.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the mozzarella cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
What kind of pasta can I use besides fusilli?
While fusilli is great for holding the sauce, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or spaghetti. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to achieve the perfect al dente 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).