If you're in the mood for something simple, healthy, and delicious, you've got to try my 20-Minute Healthy Pasta Pomodoro. This dish puts a fresh and health-conscious twist on a classic Italian comfort food, and it's ready in just 20 minutes!
Healthful Ingredients with Fantastic Benefits
Gluten-Free Pasta: Easy on the Stomach
For this recipe, I used @enjoybrami pasta, an incredible Italian pasta made from a mix of semolina flour and lupini beans. This blend not only makes it easier to digest but also enriches it with additional nutrients, offering a fantastic gluten-free option that maintains the authentic pasta texture.
Organic Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes: Packed with Nutrients
I love using organic heirloom cherry tomatoes for their burst of sweet, intense flavor and the array of health benefits. These tomatoes are loaded with vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate, and they come with antioxidants that help combat inflammation.
Fresh Basil: Aromatic and Beneficial
Fresh basil doesn't just enhance the flavor; it also brings a wealth of antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and acts as a natural mood enhancer. It's perfect for adding a fresh touch to this light dish.
Good Olive Oil: Rich in Healthy Fats
A good drizzle of quality olive oil adds richness to the sauce and provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Olive oil is a cornerstone in anti-inflammatory diets, known for its benefits in reducing heart disease risks and promoting overall health.
Garlic and Parmesan Cheese Rind: Depth of Flavor
Adding garlic enhances the dish with its robust flavor and health benefits, including immune support and anti-inflammatory effects. A Parmesan cheese rind simmered in the sauce lends a savory depth without overwhelming the fresh taste.
Crushed Red Pepper: Spice It Up
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper is perfect. It adds a little kick and also helps to boost metabolism.
Why This Pasta Pomodoro Shines
This Pasta Pomodoro keeps things light, fresh, and full of flavor. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal that doesn't compromise on health. The blend of fiber-rich, gluten-free pasta with the fresh, nutrient-packed goodness of heirloom tomatoes and basil, not to mention the healthy fats from olive oil, makes this dish a smart choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal.
Try this updated take on a beloved classic and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is good for your body!
20-Minute, Healthy Pasta Pomodoro
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serving: 4 people
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (or any gluten-free pasta, @jovialfoods is great option too)
- 2 cups organic heirloom cherry tomatoes
- 2-3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/4 cup good olive oil
- Fresh basil, torn
- 1 Parmesan cheese rind
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper if you like a little kick
Instructions:
- Heat up the olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Toss in the sliced garlic and let it get nice and golden, but don’t let it burn.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cover the pan, and let them cook down until they’re soft and jammy. Then just press them down a bit with your spoon.
- While the tomatoes are doing their thing, cook your pasta in salted water. I like to add a little olive oil to the water so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
- Scoop some of that pasta water into your tomato sauce, add the Parmesan rind, season with salt and pepper, and let it all simmer for a few more minutes.
- Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and toss it right into the sauce. Give it a good stir to coat the pasta with all that goodness.
- Finish with torn basil and some freshly grated Parmesan.
I usually serve this up with a quick arugula salad—just toss it with avocado, red onion, and Oma’s dressing.