Balsamic Tomato-Basil Pasta

DeSouter's Note:

This super tasty recipe came from a co-worker who's wealthy family always made sure to serve this at their fancy summer parties. It is a snap to put together, making it perfect for families who want a meal in a hurry, or the host of party who wants something spectacular that won't keep them in the kitchen instead of with their guests. Either way, you will get the same rave reviews that I have over the years.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 lb any type pasta , your preference
• 1 bunch fresh basil
• 4 -6 garden fresh tomatoes , diced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic , chopped
• ¼ cup good balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano

Directions:

1. Prep the tomatoes, garlic, etc-- before boiling the pasta.
2. Boil pasta while making the rest of the dish.
3. Saute garlic in olive oil.
4. Add tomatoes and cover, simmering for 7-10 minutes with the balsamic vinegar and seasonings until tomatoes fall apart.
5. Cut basil leaves and toss all ingredients together, including Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve additional Parmesan on the side, if desired.

Reviews

[@ home in SF Bay]

This recipe reduced to two servings very easily(FYI 1/16 cup = 1 Tbsp).I added half a grilled chicken breast to one serving, and some mozzarella on top of both. Bowtie pasta worked well, and garden fresh tomatoes are ideal! Very smooth taste, but I could have used a little more of a kick. Maybe more garlic next time... Really good combination of flavors. Thanks

[ttarrantula]

This recipe is REALLY good. I was a bit wary of using so much balsamic, but dont worry, it works out to be perfect. I took the advice of other reviewers and did not cover the tomatoes when they cooked for a saucier sauce. I used whole wheat corkscrew pasta for its darker color and I feel it went nicely against the color of the balsamic vinegar, also put shaved Parmesan on top so it didn't turn dark from the vinegar. I completely forgot the oregano.. I feel it would have distracted from the basil anyway. The next time I made this, I put about a tablespoon of tomato paste, it added a nice rich flavor to the sauce. I would put chicken in this for a one pot meal.

[Lucky in Bayview]

I really liked this. I used canned whole peeled tomatoes. About twice as many the recipe called for. I also added some crushed red pepper. The sauce was nice and bright and the meal didn't weigh me down as some pasta recipes do. Thanks for posting the recipe.