Looking for a delicious and filling pasta dish that won't break the calorie bank? Look no further than tomato basil pasta, which comes in at a reasonable 387 calories per serving. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

In addition to being low in calories, tomato basil pasta provides a number of essential nutrients. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, while basil is rich in vitamin K and has anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, pasta provides a filling dose of carbohydrates to keep you energized throughout the day.

In this article, we'll explore how to make tomato basil pasta, its nutritional value, serving suggestions, variations, and more.

How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta

To make tomato basil pasta, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 pound of pasta (your choice of shape) - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 can of crushed tomatoes - ½ cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the saucepan with the tomato sauce. Toss the pasta to coat with the sauce, then add the basil and toss again. Serve immediately.

Tomato Basil Pasta Ingredients

The ingredients required to make tomato basil pasta are: - 1 pound of pasta (your choice of shape) - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 can of crushed tomatoes - ½ cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients can be modified or adjusted to suit your personal tastes or dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Value of Tomato Basil Pasta

A single serving of tomato basil pasta (based on the recipe above) contains the following nutrients: - calories: 387 - Fat: 8g - Carbohydrates: 69g - Protein: 12g - Fiber: 5g - Vitamin C: 25% of the daily value - Potassium: 16% of the daily value - Vitamin K: 15% of the daily value These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients, serving size, and preparation methods used.

Tomato Basil Pasta Serving Suggestions

Tomato basil pasta can be served on its own as a tasty and satisfying meal, or paired with some additional sides or toppings to round out the dish. Here are a few ideas: - Serve with grated Parmesan cheese - Top with toasted pine nuts - Add some sautéed spinach or other greens - Accompany with a side salad or garlic bread - Pair with a crisp white wine This dish can be enjoyed year-round, either as a warm comfort food in the winter, or a refreshing summer pasta salad.

Tomato Basil Pasta Variations

While the basic tomato basil pasta recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to modify or customize it to suit your tastes or preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started: - Swap out the pasta shape (e.g. use penne or linguine instead of spaghetti) - Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor - Substitute fresh cherry tomatoes for the canned crushed tomatoes - Mix in some cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions Feel free to experiment with different ingredient combinations until you find your perfect version of this versatile pasta dish.

Benefits of Eating Tomato Basil Pasta

In addition to being a delicious and satisfying meal option, tomato basil pasta provides a number of potential health benefits: - The lycopene in tomatoes has been shown to have antioxidant properties and may help lower the risk of certain types of cancer - Basil contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases - Pasta provides a source of energy for physical activity and may help regulate blood sugar levels While more research is needed to fully understand these benefits, incorporating tomato basil pasta into your diet can be a tasty and nutritious choice.

Quick and Easy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

For an even quicker version of this pasta dish, try the following recipe: - Cook 1 pound of pasta according to the package directions - While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat - Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant - Add 1 can of diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper - Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally - Drain the pasta and add it to the saucepan with the tomato sauce - Toss to coat the pasta with the sauce and some chopped fresh basil - Serve immediately This recipe can be made in under 30 minutes and is a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.

Tomato Basil Pasta for Meal Prep

Tomato basil pasta is an easy and delicious meal prep option that can be made in advance and reheated throughout the week. Here are some tips for preparing this dish for meal prep: - Cook a large batch of pasta and sauce at once, then portion them into individual serving containers - Allow the pasta to cool before refrigerating or freezing to prevent it from becoming mushy - Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding some additional olive oil or water to help loosen the sauce With a little planning and preparation, tomato basil pasta can be a great option for those looking to save time and energy during the week.

Leftover Tomato Basil Pasta Ideas

If you find yourself with leftover tomato basil pasta, there are plenty of creative ways to use it up. Here are a few ideas: - Serve it cold as a pasta salad, topped with some fresh Parmesan cheese and lemon juice - Stuff it into a pita pocket or wrap with some additional veggies and hummus - Use it as a base for a homemade pizza, topping it with some mozzarella cheese and additional veggies - Mix it into some scrambled eggs or an omelette for a savory breakfast With a little creativity, your leftover tomato basil pasta can be repurposed into a whole new meal or snack.

Tomato Basil Pasta for Vegetarians

Tomato basil pasta is a great vegetarian meal option, as it provides plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients without any meat. For vegans or those with dairy allergies, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. This dish can also be modified to be gluten-free or allergy-friendly, depending on your specific needs.