Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (spaghetti or penne work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts for added texture
When selecting ingredients, opt for tomatoes that are firm yet fragrant, and don’t forget to choose a pasta that you love. Mama Lou always said that the best dishes come from using ingredients that speak to you.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down into a sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the fresh basil, parsley, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- For an extra layer of texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts before serving.
As Mama Lou always reminded me, don’t rush the process. Let each step build upon the last, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 10g
