Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's ready in minutes? Look no further than this quick and easy vegan tomato basil pasta recipe! This vibrant dish bursts with fresh, summery flavors and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. Forget complicated cooking techniques and expensive ingredients; this recipe prioritizes simplicity and deliciousness, delivering a pasta experience that's both comforting and exciting. The intense flavor of ripe tomatoes is beautifully complemented by fragrant basil, creating a harmonious blend that will leave you wanting more.
This recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks, offering a straightforward approach to pasta perfection. Ready to create this flavorful masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and whip up a batch of this irresistible tomato basil pasta.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Colander
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Spaghetti pasta: 3 oz
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 1/2 cups
- Mushrooms: 1/3 cup
- Green olives: 8
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Chili flakes: 1/2 teaspoon
- Basil leaves: 6-8
- Baby spinach: 3 cups
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pasta and Sauce Base
- Cook the pasta in boiling water for 8 minutes until tender but not soft. Drain the water, reserving about half a cup.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
- Add cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and green olives. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften.
Step 2. Build the Flavor
- Stir in basil leaves, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (adjust to taste).
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
Step 3. Add Greens and Finish
- Add baby spinach and stir until wilted.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Spicy Tava Pulao Recipe: Easy Indian Rice Dish
Tips
- Use firm tomatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Remove stems from spinach before adding.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned crushed or diced tomatoes work perfectly. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before adding them to the sauce.
2. What can I do if I don't have fresh basil?
Dried basil is a good substitute, but use about 1/3 the amount called for in the recipe. Other herbs like oregano or thyme would also add a nice flavor.
This simple vegan tomato basil pasta recipe is a testament to how delicious and satisfying a meal can be without sacrificing ease and speed. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish as a weeknight staple or a quick and healthy lunch option. Buon appetito!