Summer Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil

Now that summer is here and the tomatoes and basil are plentiful, this is a perfect quick and easy meal that is straight from the garden! You can make it as a hot meal (as I have described below) or you make it as a cold salad without cooking the tomatoes and basil.

Start a pot of water for the pasta.

  • 4 cups chopped tomatoes (fresh tomatoes need their skins removed, canned tomatoes work as well)
  • 2-3 t chopped garlic
  • 1 T Italian seasoning
  • 1 t sugar
  • 1 t salt

Simmer the tomatoes and seasonings for approx. ½ hour.

Meanwhile cook the pasta, any kind will work. I usually use bow tie or cappelletti.

Pan sear bite sized pieces of chicken in 2 T olive oil and 1 T Italian seasoning. Add more oil and seasoning as needed.

When the chicken is cooked and the pasta is cooked and drained toss together in a large bowl.

Add 1 cup rough chopped fresh basil to sauce simmer 3 minutes or until the basil is limp. Toss with pasta and chicken, grate parmesan on top.

Recipe courtesy of Paula Mooney's kitchen.