Tomato Basil Pasta Fresca (video)
Simple and so delicious penne pasta fresca tossed with juicy heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, garlic and basil. This delicious basil pasta dish is one of my favorites because it’s so easy to put together; you’ll have it ready in 15 to 20 minutes! For this special episode of “Tatyana’s Everyday Food,” I partnered with Pure Leaf Iced Tea – their iced tea is the perfect complement to this dish. Serve it with refreshing Pure Leaf Iced Tea for a great meal!
Watch My Pasta Video!
Watch this special episode in the Tastemade kitchen for step-by-step instructions! Want to receive new recipe emails in your inbox? Make sure to subscribe to my website and my YouTube channel and turn on notifications!
How to Make Pasta Fresca!
You’ll love how simple and delicious this tomato basil pasta fresca dish is!
- First things first, get a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta. I used penne pasta for my video recipe but any type of small pasta will work well for this recipe.
- While the pasta is cooking away, prepare the garlic and shallot mixture. Simply heat a large pan over medium heat and sweat the shallots and garlic in oil until soft and tender but not browned.
- Once the pasta and shallot/garlic mixture is ready, combine them together! Add to the mix the diced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh basil and green onion. Toss everything together, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and enjoy!
- I recommend enjoying this dish immediately while it’s warm and the cheese is soft! Feel free to add a bit of grated parmesan cheese on top for extra cheesiness!
The Story Behind the Recipe!
This pasta fresca dish is not only delicious but it also has a great story behind it! When I first met my husband, one of the first dates that we had was at the Pink Door restaurant in Seattle. It’s a very unique restaurant with a simple pink door with an alley access. You could walk right past it and miss it! Inside, you’re greeted with an expansive establishment and beautiful roof-top patio views. We enjoyed some red wine together and a dish very similar to this one with local heirloom tomatoes and house-made mozzarella. Whenever I’m in town, I love to go the same restaurant. During the summer months, they still serve this incredible dish! Give it a try if you’re in the area!
More Recipes!
Enjoyed this easy basil pasta recipe? Check out some of my other pasta recipes you’re sure to enjoy!
- Easy, Garlicky Zucchini Pasta – super quick and easy zucchini pasta with garlic, parmesan and basil! Perfect for summer!
- Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta – the creamiest tomato pasta with juicy chicken, artichoke and mushrooms!
- Italian Pasta Salad – the ultimate pasta salad with veggies, cheese, salami, olives and a lemon dressing!
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta – one of my personal favorites, with a creamy mushroom and white wine sauce!
- Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta – it’s artichoke spinach dip meets chicken pasta!
Share it on Pinterest!
Tomato Basil Pasta Fresca (video)
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound penne pasta
- 1 to 2 large organic heirloom tomato, diced
- 2 green scallions, diced
- small bunch fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 4 to 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella ball
- salt and black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the penne pasta in a large pot of salt water. Cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions, then drain it and keep warm on the side.
- Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients. Preheat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the shallot and garlic. Sweat the aromatics until soft, but not browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add in the white wine and reduce the liquids for about 1 minute. Add the prepared pasta to the pan and stir to coat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Next, add in the ¼ cup olive oil and vinegar.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in mozzarella cheese, chopped basil, diced tomatoes and chopped green onion. Serve the dish immediately while pasta is still warm and cheese is soft.
- Enjoyed this recipe? Please consider leaving me a comment or rating review to help my blog!
