No-Cook Tomato Pasta

As the warm weather rolls in, many of us crave meals that are light, refreshing, and easy to prepare. No-cook meals, in particular, offer a wonderful solution to the summer heat, allowing you to enjoy vibrant flavors without the need for a stove. One such delightful dish is the Fresh and Flavorful No-Cook Tomato Pasta. This recipe is not only simple to make, but it also showcases the essence of summer through its use of fresh ingredients bursting with flavor.

Beat the summer heat with this Fresh and Flavorful No-Cook Tomato Pasta recipe! Perfect for warm weather, this simple dish requires no cooking and highlights the vibrant flavors of seasonal ingredients. Combine al dente pasta with juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing meal. It's a quick and nutritious option that celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine. Enjoy this gourmet yet easy recipe any night!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

8 oz (225g) pasta (linguine or spaghetti)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Tomato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to mix the ingredients well.

Mix Everything Together: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tomato mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the olive oil and tomato mixture. If needed, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help combine and create a light sauce.

Incorporate the Basil and Cheese: Gently fold in the fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative) until evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

Taste and Adjust: Give the pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.

Serve: Divide the pasta into serving bowls or plates. Drizzle a little more extra virgin olive oil on top, sprinkle with additional cheese, and garnish with more basil leaves if desired. Enjoy fresh!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 15 minutes | Serves 4