20 Summer Dinner Recipes That Are Ready in 25 Minutes - EatingWell

# Cherry Tomato Pasta: The Ultimate Quick Summer Dinner Solution

Are you tired of cooking long, elaborate meals during the summer months? Do you find yourself craving something easy, yet satisfying, to satisfy your hunger? Look no further than this incredible cherry tomato pasta recipe!

Introduction

As the weather warms up, many of us are on the lookout for quick and delicious dinner solutions that won't weigh us down. Enter chickpea pasta, a game-changing ingredient that adds fiber and nutrients to our meals while reducing cooking time. But what really makes this dish shine is its simplicity: cherry tomatoes and basil cook down to create a flavorful sauce that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

The Magic of Chickpea Pasta

Chickpea pasta, made from the humble chickpea, has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. High in fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates, it's an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their carb intake or add more plant-based meals to their diet. But beyond its nutritional value, chickpea pasta is also incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide range of sauces, from classic tomato sauce to creamy pesto.

The Power of Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are another star player in this recipe. These bite-sized wonders add natural sweetness, flavor, and texture to our dish, all while being incredibly easy to work with. When cooked down, they create a rich and indulgent sauce that's sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

The Role of Basil

Last but certainly not least, basil takes center stage in this recipe as its aromatic, herbaceous flavor perfectly complements the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes. Adding freshness and depth to our dish, basil is an essential component that elevates this simple pasta from ordinary to extraordinary.

A Simple Recipe with Endless Possibilities

So what makes this cherry tomato pasta recipe so special? It's not just the individual ingredients themselves, but how they come together to create a cohesive, delicious whole. By using chickpea pasta, we're already ahead of the game when it comes to fiber and nutrition. But when paired with juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil, our dish becomes truly unforgettable.

The Cooking Process

So what does cooking this recipe entail? Don't worry; it's quicker than you think!

  1. Cooking the Chickpea Pasta: Simply boil or sauté the chickpea pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Chopping and Sauteing the Cherry Tomatoes: Chop the cherry tomatoes in half and sauté them in a pan with olive oil over medium heat, allowing them to release their natural sweetness.
  3. Adding Basil and Cooking Down: Add chopped basil leaves to the tomato mixture and stir gently to combine. Continue cooking down until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Tips and Variations

Looking for ways to mix things up? Here are some ideas!

  • Meat lovers unite!: Add some cooked sausage, bacon, or chicken to give this dish a hearty twist.
  • Pesto power: Swap out basil for pesto for an entirely new flavor profile.
  • Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Conclusion

There you have it: a simple yet satisfying summer dinner recipe that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its ease of preparation, versatility, and delicious flavors, this cherry tomato pasta is the perfect solution for those looking for a quick and tasty meal that won't weigh them down.