Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Description: Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Tomato Basil Pasta, a recipe crafted with love from lovewithrecipes.com. This dish combines the freshness of tomatoes and basil with the richness of prosciutto and pine nuts, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Recipe Category: Penne
Keywords: Pork, Vegetable, Meat, < 30 Mins, Stove Top, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 344.7
- Fat Content: 8.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 150.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 62.7g
- Fiber Content: 9.1g
- Sugar Content: 0.1g
- Protein Content: 6.5g
Servings: 6
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Penne pasta |
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 3 cloves | Garlic |
| 3 slices | Prosciutto |
| 1 cup | Grape tomatoes |
| 1/4 cup | Kalamata olives |
| 3 tsp | Balsamic vinegar |
| 1/4 tsp | Salt |
| 1/8 tsp | Pepper |
| 1/3 cup | Fresh basil |
| 2 tbsp | Pine nuts |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Penne Pasta:
- Follow the package directions to cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Saute Garlic and Prosciutto:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sliced prosciutto to the skillet. Saute for about 3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the prosciutto is slightly crispy.
-
Cook Tomatoes:
- Add grape tomatoes to the skillet and cook for approximately 3 minutes, or until they just begin to soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Prepare Flavorful Mixture:
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the kalamata olives, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
-
Combine Pasta and Tomato Mixture:
- Transfer the cooked penne pasta to a large serving bowl.
- Add the tomato mixture and fresh basil to the pasta. Gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful ingredients.
-
Garnish:
- Garnish the Tomato Basil Pasta with toasted pine nuts.
-
Toast Pine Nuts:
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pine nuts to the skillet and toast them, tossing frequently, until they turn slightly golden brown.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Tomato Basil Pasta hot, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Pair it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
- This dish also makes a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
Tips:
- To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the prosciutto or substitute it with your favorite vegetarian protein.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta before serving.
- Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as spinach, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts.
- Make a larger batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
