Basil Tomato Pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare Garlic Basil Oil

   2 min hands-on2 min waiting

   • Smash and peel the garlic cloves.
   • Add garlic, olive oil, and torn basil stems and leaves to a small pot.
   • Heat over medium-low heat for 2 minutes until aromatic, without browning the garlic.
   • Remove from heat and allow to steep.

2. Caramelize the Onion

   2 min hands-on6 min waiting

   • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
   • Slice the onion in half and place cut-side down in the pan.
   • Cook for 6-8 minutes until the onion caramelizes and butter turns light golden brown.

3. Build the Tomato Sauce

   3 min hands-on20 min waiting

   • Roughly chop the tomatoes and add to the saucepan with the onion.
   • Break down the tomatoes with a wooden spoon as they cook.
   • Bring to a boil, season with salt and black pepper, then lower to a simmer.
   • Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Blend Garlic Basil Oil

   1 min hands-on

   • Pour the steeped garlic and basil oil into a food processor.
   • Pulse until finely minced into a fragrant paste.

5. Cook the Pasta

   3 min hands-on8 min waiting

   • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
   • Add a generous pinch of salt.
   • Cook the pasta until al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water before draining.

6. Combine Sauce and Garlic Basil Oil

   2 min hands-on10 min waiting

   • Remove and discard onion halves from the tomato sauce.
   • Stir in the garlic basil oil, mixing thoroughly.
   • Simmer for another 10 minutes until silky, stirring occasionally.

7. Toss the Pasta

   2 min hands-on

   • Add cooked pasta to the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water.
   • Toss over low heat until pasta is well coated.

8. Serve and Garnish

   2 min hands-on

   • Transfer pasta to a serving dish.
   • Sprinkle with grated parmesan and garnish with remaining basil leaves.
   • Serve immediately.
   • Cooking tips:
   • Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. If they’re not in season, high-quality canned tomatoes can be a good substitute.
   • Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it helps emulsify the sauce and gives it a creamy texture without adding extra fat.
   • If you want an even silkier sauce, blend the tomato mixture before adding the garlic basil oil.