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Summertime Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce Recipe


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4.3 from 78 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Summertime Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce is a light and vibrant Italian pasta dish that highlights the bright, natural flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. This easy-to-make recipe features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a simple, fresh tomato sauce, making it an ideal meal to enjoy during the summer months when tomatoes are at their peak.


Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Fresh Tomato Sauce

  • 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the spaghetti.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Cook Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, forming a light sauce.
  4. Season Sauce: Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves and balsamic vinegar if using. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the flavors meld for a minute.
  5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

  • Use vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes for the freshest, most flavorful sauce.
  • For added protein, toss in grilled chicken or shrimp.
  • Finish the dish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for extra richness and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian