Unsure what to do with lots of basil from your herb garden or crisper? Don’t let it wilt – there are so many deliciously different ways to use it up.
A refreshing summer blend of fresh basil, lime and vodka, paired perfectly with the delicate effervescence of sparkling Schweppes soda water.
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20 Basil Recipes: Tomato Basil Pasta & More!
This tomato basil pasta pairs sweet tomatoes blistered in a hot pan with fresh basil and Parmesan. An easy dinner idea that’s simply stunning!
Prep: 10min
Total: 20min
Yield: 3
Nutrition Facts: servingSize None, calories 376 calories, Sugar 6.1 g, Sodium 181.7 mg, Fat 14.4 g, Saturated Fat 3.4 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Carbohydrate 50 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 12.7 g, Cholesterol 7.2 mg
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, orecchiette (shown here), shells, cavatappi, etc)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 pints whole cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup pasta water
- 1 handful fresh small basil leaves, chopped if large
Instruction:
- Start a pot of well salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta until it is just al dente. Start tasting a few minutes before the package recommends: you want it to be tender but still a little firm on the inside; usually around 7 to 8 minutes. Before draining, reserve some pasta water with a liquid measuring cup (at least 1/4 cup). Drain the pasta.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a very large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add the tomatoes, making sure there is space around each tomato (they are not touching) and the pan is not crowded. If you’re using a medium pan, cook the tomatoes in 2 batches.* Cook for 1 minute without touching the pan, then 2 to 3 more minutes until blistered, shaking the pan several times to rotate the tomatoes. Turn off the heat and drizzle with the balsamic vinegar, gently shaking several times to coat. Add 2 pinches kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Remove the tomatoes from the pan to a bowl.
- Mince the garlic. Once the pasta is done, in the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium low heat. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup pasta water, scraping the pan with a spoon to release all of the flavor of the tomato juices. Turn off the heat.
- Add the pasta to the pan and toss to coat. Add the blistered tomatoes, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and basil. Season with 2 pinches of kosher salt and lots of fresh ground pepper. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Serve with the remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
24 Best Ways to Cook with Fresh Basil
Looking for the best basil recipes to use up fresh basil? From pesto to salad to pizza, there are so many ways to flavor meals with this tasty herb.
Ingredients:
- Pesto
- Salmon and Basil Pasta
- Pork and Mushroom Skewers With Basil Sauce
- Basil Pasta Salad
- Strawberry Basil Drink
- Chicken With Basil Cream Sauce
- Salmon Basil Burger
- Potatoes with Tomatoes and Basil
- Potato and Basil Frittata
- Roasted Root Vegetables Side Dish
- Cucumber Basil Agua Fresca
- Grilled Cheese with Basil Pesto
- Basil Sunflower Seed Pesto
- Melon Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
- Basil Ice Cream
- Basil Zucchini Soup
- Pesto Pizza
- Caprese Sandwich
- Quinoa Broccoli Slaw
- Parmesan Basil Chicken
- Pistachio Basil Pesto
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Basil Mayo
- Strawberry Basil Cocktail
Instruction:
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a fresh basil recipe in 30 minutes or less!
