Best 4 Tomato Pasta Side Dish Recipes

In the realm of culinary delights, the humble tomato pasta emerges as a versatile side dish, capable of harmonizing with a wide symphony of main courses. Its simplicity belies a depth of flavor, a testament to the magic that can be conjured from a few carefully chosen ingredients. In this culinary exploration, we present a trio of tomato pasta recipes, each offering a distinct twist on this classic accompaniment. From the vibrant and aromatic burst of sun-dried tomatoes to the rustic charm of roasted cherry tomatoes, and the refreshing tang of lemony tomatoes, these recipes promise to elevate your dining experience to new heights. Whether you seek a quick and easy weeknight meal or a showstopping dish for a special occasion, our tomato pasta trilogy has something to satisfy every palate. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

FRESH TOMATO PASTA

Fresh Tomato Pasta image

This is an extremely simple pasta recipe that I love to make when I don't really feel like cooking! I use rigatoni, but you can use whatever pasta you prefer. This is especially delicious with tomatoes fresh from your garden. Serve with garlic bread and a simple lettuce salad with Italian dressing.

Provided by Langu

Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta

Time 22m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package dry pasta
1 clove garlic
1 medium tomato
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pinch salt

Steps:

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Coarsely chop the tomato and transfer to a small bowl. Sprinkle the tomato chunks with basil, olive oil, and salt. Set aside.
Once the water is boiling, stir in the rigatoni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain well in a colander, and then return the pasta to the pot.
Pour the tomato mixture over the pasta and toss to mix.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 501.5 calories, Carbohydrate 82.2 g, Cholesterol 134.4 mg, Fat 12 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 17.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 33.4 mg, Sugar 7 g

TOMATO AND GARLIC PASTA

Tomato and Garlic Pasta image

There is nothing nicer than the flavor of fresh tomatoes. You can use canned, but the trouble you take to prepare this dish is worth it. You prepare the sauce while the pasta is cooking, no long hours of waiting. Great if you want meatless pasta.

Provided by ALMA-LOU

Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package angel hair pasta
2 pounds tomatoes
4 cloves crushed garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Place tomatoes in a kettle, and cover with cold water. Bring just to the boil. Pour off water, and cover again with cold water. Peel. Cut into small pieces.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
In a large skillet or saute pan, saute the garlic in enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. The garlic should just become opaque, not brown. Stir in the tomato paste. Immediately stir in the tomatoes, and salt and pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer until the pasta is ready; add the basil.
Drain the pasta, but do not rinse in cold water. Toss with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, and then mix into the sauce. Reduce the heat as low as possible. Keep warm, uncovered, for about 10 minutes when it is ready to serve. Garnish generously with fresh Parmesan cheese.
VARIATIONS: Saute fresh quartered mushrooms with the garlic, or add shoestring zucchini along with the tomato.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260.3 calories, Carbohydrate 41.9 g, Cholesterol 4.4 mg, Fat 6.8 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 10.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 235.6 mg, Sugar 7.5 g

PASTA WITH TOMATOES

Pasta with Tomatoes image

Earlene Ertelt of Woodburn, Oregon found the recipe for Pasta with Tomatoes in the newspaper a few years ago and has used it frequently ever since. "My husband, Charles, and I are busy on our farm and with other activities, so quick and easy dishes like this one are very important to me," Earlene asserts.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 10m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 large tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups hot cooked bow tie pasta or spaghetti
Fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

Combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Serve over pasta. If desired, garnish with basil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 245 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 610mg sodium, Carbohydrate 50g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

TOMATO BASIL PASTA

Tomato Basil Pasta image

This recipe is a simple, flavorful dish served at room temperature. Fantastic! This dish will refrigerate well and is just as yummy the next day for lunch as a cold pasta salad!

Provided by ANGELA DAWN

Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 cups diced tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves crushed garlic
6 leaves fresh basil, torn
10 ounces fusilli pasta
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste
1 ½ cups crumbled feta cheese
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

Stir tomatoes, onion, olive oil, garlic, and basil together in a bowl.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, 12 minutes. Drain.
Toss warm pasta with feta cheese and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Stir tomato mixture into pasta and season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 413.9 calories, Carbohydrate 39.5 g, Cholesterol 35.6 mg, Fat 23.4 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 13.3 g, SaturatedFat 8.1 g, Sodium 466.5 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

Tips:

Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes. This will make a big difference in the taste of your pasta dish. Look for tomatoes that are bright red and have a slightly sweet smell.

Don't overcook the tomatoes. You want them to be soft but still hold their shape. Cook them over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add some fresh herbs. Basil, oregano, and thyme are all great options. Add them to the pasta dish just before serving for a pop of flavor.

Use a good quality olive oil. This will help to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes and herbs.

Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make tomato pasta. Try adding different vegetables, cheeses, or meats to find your favorite combination.

Conclusion:

Tomato pasta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a great way to use up ripe tomatoes from your garden or the farmers market. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious tomato pasta dish that the whole family will love.