Description
Summer Tomato Sauce Pasta is a light and flavorful Italian dish that highlights the freshness of ripe summer tomatoes. Cooked gently with garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, and Parmesan, this easy-to-make pasta sauce is perfect for a quick weeknight meal full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti, linguine, or penne
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta to help loosen the sauce later.
- Heat Olive Oil and Garlic: Meanwhile, heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring frequently, to infuse the oil without burning the garlic.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the diced ripe tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a fresh and light sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to combine and coat the pasta evenly. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce for better coating.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and the optional tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently toss once more. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil, Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Use the ripest tomatoes you can find for the best fresh flavor.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes can be substituted for a sweeter, bite-sized variation.
- Don’t overcook the tomatoes; keep the sauce fresh and bright.
- For added protein, incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
- To make it vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta, Dinner, Summer Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
