Mediterranean Sunshine Pasta: Vibrant Tomato Basil Delight

Pasta Fresca Recipe

🍝 Pasta Fresca 🍅 is a delightful dish that captures the essence of fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors. With the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil, this recipe promises a culinary journey to Italy in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 12 garlic cloves
• 4 shallots
• 1 onion
• 2 tablespoons walnut pieces
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1 bunch fresh basil
• 2 tomatoes
• 2 roma tomatoes
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Cayenne pepper, to taste
• 2 cups yellow cherry tomatoes
• 1 pound dry pasta
• Parmigiano-reggiano cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta Water:

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   • Bring 12 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil in a large pot.

2. Sauté Aromatics and Nuts:

   • In another large pot over medium-high heat, add 1/4 cup of olive oil, garlic, shallots, and walnut pieces.
   • Sauté the ingredients, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes or until they just begin to turn golden.

3. Infuse with Basil:

   • Add the fresh basil to the pot and stir for 30 seconds to release its aromatic flavors.

4. Create the Tomato Sauce:

   • Incorporate the tomatoes, roma tomatoes, kalamata olives, remaining salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil.
   • Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors perfectly.

5. Add Yellow Cherry Tomatoes:

   • Introduce the vibrant yellow cherry tomatoes into the sauce towards the end of the cooking process.

6. Cook the Pasta:

   • Meanwhile, as the sauce simmers, add the dry pasta to the boiling water.
   • Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta until it reaches the desired tenderness.
   • Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Transfer the drained pasta into the pot with the tomato sauce.
   • Toss the pasta and sauce together until each strand is thoroughly coated in the flavorful mixture.

8. Serve with Parmesan:

   • Present the Pasta Fresca either directly from the pot on the table for a cozy family-style meal or transfer it to a large pre-warmed serving bowl.
   • Garnish each serving generously with freshly grated Parmigiano-reggiano cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 514.2 per serving
• Fat Content: 30.6g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.8g
• Cholesterol: 51.7mg
• Sodium: 1006mg
• Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 4.7g
  • Sugar: 5.3g
• Protein: 17.1g

Recipe Notes:

• This Pasta Fresca recipe serves 8 hearty portions, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prepping for the week ahead.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, for an extra indulgent twist.
• Pair this dish with a light salad and crusty bread to create a complete and satisfying meal that will transport you to the sun-drenched shores of Italy with each delicious forkful. Enjoy! 🇮🇹🍽️