Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with our Fresh Basil and Sun Dried Tomato Spaghetti Pasta! This delightful dish combines the rich, tangy taste of sun-dried tomatoes with the aromatic freshness of basil, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe can be whipped up in just 25 minutes. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
- Drain the spaghetti and immediately transfer it to the skillet with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Toss the pasta with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Remove skillet from heat and fold in freshly chopped basil.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Don’t skimp on salt when boiling your spaghetti; it should taste like the sea! This is your chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Perfect Al Dente: Keep an eye on your spaghetti as it cooks. For the best texture, aim for al dente—cooked but still firm to the bite.
- Garlic Timing: Be careful not to overcook the garlic. Sauté it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness in your sauce.
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserve that pasta cooking water! Adding a splash of it to your sauce can help achieve the perfect consistency and enhance the flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh basil for the best flavor. If you can, pick it right before using to maximize its aroma and taste.
- Cheese It Up: Don’t hold back on the Parmesan! A generous sprinkle not only adds flavor but also a lovely creaminess that ties the dish together.
- Garnish for Presentation: A few extra fresh basil leaves on top of your plated dish can make it look even more appetizing and showcase the freshness of your ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
