Tagliatelle Pasta Recipe With Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce
Tagliatelle Pasta with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce is a delightful Italian dish that combines the comforting flavors of tender tagliatelle with the rich, vibrant taste of homemade tomato basil sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe can serve as a quick lunch, dinner, or even a midnight indulgence. If you prepare the tomato basil sauce in advance, this dish becomes an effortless fix for unexpected guests or weeknight cravings. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for creating this vegetarian masterpiece.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
| Ingredient Name | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tagliatelle Pasta | 1 cup | Main base for the recipe |
| Basil Leaves | 4 leaves (torn) | For garnish |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons | Adds a rich flavor |
| Salt | A pinch | Enhances flavor |
| Parmesan Cheese | Flakes (to garnish) | Adds a cheesy finish |
For the Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce
| Ingredient Name | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 500 grams | Base for the sauce |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves | Adds depth and aroma |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 | Enhances flavor |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon | Balances the acidity of the tomatoes |
| Whole Black Pepper Corns | 1 teaspoon (crushed) | Adds a spicy kick |
| Red Chili Flakes | 2 teaspoons | Adds heat to the sauce |
| Basil Leaves (torn) | 4 leaves | Imparts a fresh, herbal flavor |
| Salt | To taste | Adjusts the seasoning |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon | Adds vibrant color and heat |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 ½ teaspoons | Adds a touch of warmth |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | ½ teaspoon | Provides subtle tanginess |
To Grind for the Sauce Base
| Ingredient Name | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Onion | 1 | Forms the base for grinding |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon | Adds a hint of sweetness |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek) | ½ teaspoon | Imparts a unique bitterness |
| Dry Red Chili | 1 | Adds bold spice |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Boosts the base flavors |
| Ginger | 1 inch | Adds warmth and zing |
Preparation Time
| Step | Time Required (in minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 25 |
| Cooking | 30 |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
Instructions
Step 1: Cooking the Tagliatelle Pasta
- Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil to the water.
- Cook the tagliatelle pasta according to the package instructions (usually 7-10 minutes) until it is al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside, tossing it with a light drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Preparing the Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce
- In a blender, grind the ingredients for the sauce base—onion, sugar, methi seeds, dry red chili, garlic, and ginger—into a smooth paste. Set this aside.
- Heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chopped onions to the skillet and cook until translucent.
- Stir in the ground sauce base, cooking it for about 5 minutes until the raw aroma dissipates.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Cook on medium heat until the tomatoes soften and start breaking down.
- Stir in sugar, salt, crushed black pepper, and red chili flakes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Mix in the red chili powder, garam masala powder, and amchur. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Tear the basil leaves and add them to the sauce. Stir well and turn off the heat.
Step 3: Combining the Pasta and Sauce
- Toss the cooked tagliatelle pasta into the skillet with the tomato basil sauce. Mix gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Allow the pasta to heat through for 2-3 minutes, letting it absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 4: Garnishing and Serving
- Serve the pasta hot in individual bowls or a serving platter.
- Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves and sprinkle generous flakes of Parmesan cheese on top.
- Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the dish for an added burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Tips & Variations
- For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream to the tomato basil sauce before tossing with pasta.
- You can add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- To make it vegan, substitute Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Enjoy this classic Italian dish that’s simple yet packed with bold, fresh flavors!
