Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare Garlic and Oil

   3 min hands-on

   • Peel and finely slice the garlic cloves.
   • Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
   • Add garlic slices and sauté until fragrant and slightly softened, stirring occasionally.

2. Build the Tomato Sauce

   4 min hands-on

   • Stir in tomato sauce and cook until it darkens slightly.
   • Add chopped ripe tomatoes and crush gently to release juices.

3. Add Basil and Simmer

   2 min hands-on30 min waiting

   • Roughly chop half the basil leaves and add to the sauce.
   • Season with salt and black pepper.
   • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

4. Cook Pasta and Prepare Tomatoes

   5 min hands-on

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook whole-grain pasta until al dente, reserving some pasta water.
   • Slice sun-dried tomatoes and halve the oil-packed ones.

5. Enhance the Sauce

   1 min hands-on10 min waiting

   • After 20 minutes of simmering, add sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
   • Cook for an additional 10 minutes and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   2 min hands-on

   • Transfer cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
   • Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky texture.

7. Plate and Garnish

   1 min hands-on

   • Divide pasta into bowls.
   • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Top with remaining basil leaves and freshly cracked black pepper.
   • Cooking tips:
   • To achieve a silky sauce, don't skip the step of adding pasta water—it contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
   • Avoid overcooking the garlic; burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
   • Use fresh basil for optimal flavor. Adding it at the end preserves its brightness and aroma.
   • For a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of red chili flakes along with the garlic.