How to make pasta with fresh tomato and basil sauce

Only five ingredients are needed for this dish! You'll need fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, your pasta of choice, and tomatoes. (I used the cherry and Roma varieties, but any tomatoes will work well)

First, finely mince your garlic.

Next, chop your tomatoes into bite-size pieces.

To chiffonade (slice into thin ribbons) your basil, stack the leaves into a pile and tightly roll into a cigar shape.

Then, slice across into thin strips.

Perfect!

Start by sautéing the garlic in the olive oil over medium-low heat. Watch carefully to make sure it doesn't burn!

When the garlic has just begun to turn golden, add your tomatoes.

Place a lid on the pan and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

At this point, begin cooking your pasta according to the directions on the package. Don't forget to salt your water!

After 10 minutes, the tomatoes will have broken down quite a bit and released some liquid. Use the back of a spoon to gently press on the tomatoes.

Next, add in your basil and turn off the heat.

Add the pasta. If it seems like there is not enough liquid, add a bit of the pasta water.

This dish epitomizes what Italian cooking is all about- fresh ingredients prepared simply (and deliciously!) Buon appetito!