Fresh Tomatoes with Pasta

Chef Linda Weiss
Photograph by Anne K Moore

Tomato season is almost over. There are still a few heirlooms out there (like the Cherokee Purple tomatoes pictured here) and the flavor is so good that you want to do something really special with them. How about making a family dinner using pasta as a base? Pasta is always a favorite, and by adding fresh tomatoes you’ve got something really special. Enjoy the end of summer. Hopefully we’ll get a little cooler around here.

Fresh Tomatoes with Pasta

1 (16-ounce) package angel hair or thin spaghetti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

3 cups chopped tomatoes*

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves cut into thin strips

Salt and pepper to taste

Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Chop tomatoes and set aside in a colander or strainer over a bowl until pasta is ready. Cook pasta according to package directions (be sure to add salt to pasta water). While pasta is cooking, heat a skillet to medium. Add the olive oil, then the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for just a minute or until the garlic and red pepper is infused with the oil. Remove from heat.

Drain the pasta, and transfer to a large bowl. Add the olive oil mixture, tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper to taste and toss. This is where I put it all on a big platter and finish it with grated cheese. Serve immediately.

*Note: Add more or less tomatoes to taste. If you have leftover pasta make it a cold salad by adding bottled Italian dressing or Ranch dressing to the pasta.

Visit Chef Linda at her website:  www.cheflindaweiss.com

and her blog:  www.lindaallaboutfood.blogspot.com

Linda’s first book, Memories From Home, Cooking with Family & Friends

is available at Amazon.com or at her website.

All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.

Article URL:
https://www.GardenSMART.com/?p=articles&title=Recipe_-_Fresh_Tomatoes_with_Pasta