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This bright and zesty gluten free pasta brings garden-fresh flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. Bursting with plump tomatoes, aromatic basil and optional crispy bacon bits, this spaghetti dish makes dinner simple and delicious even when it's too hot to cook anything complicated.
I whipped this pasta up using my neighbor's homegrown tomatoes and basil the first time, and I was shocked at how quickly the whole thing vanished. Even my fussiest kids asked for more, and now we can't go a summer without making it several times.
Ingredients
- Pamela's Spaghetti: This gluten free option works perfectly with a texture you won't know isn't regular pasta Make sure to grab boxes without any cracks or breaks
- Extra virgin olive oil: Gives the dish its smooth richness and coats every strand Pick first cold pressed for maximum flavor
- Fresh garlic: Creates the foundation of flavor Go for bulbs with tight, weighty cloves
- Bacon: Adds that wonderful smoky crunch but isn't mandatory Thick-cut works best for nice chunks
- Fresh tomatoes: These make or break your dish Pick ones that are vibrant red, smell sweet and give slightly when pressed
- Fresh basil: Adds that summery pop of flavor Cut it only right before using to keep it from turning dark
- Fresh parmesan cheese: Not required but adds wonderful salty notes Grate it directly onto each serving for best results
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Get your spaghetti going in lots of salty water following what the package says Stir it now and then so it doesn't stick together and cook until it still has a tiny bit of firmness
- Oil the Noodles:
- When done, drain your pasta thoroughly and put it in a big bowl Drizzle half your olive oil over it Mix everything well using tongs so all the pasta gets coated and shiny
- Make Flavor Oil:
- Warm up the rest of your olive oil in a small pan over medium-low heat Add your chopped garlic and stir it around for 2-3 minutes until it turns light gold and smells amazing Don't let it get too brown or burnt
- Mix Everything:
- Pour your hot garlic oil all over your oiled pasta Use tongs to mix it up good so the flavor spreads evenly through all the noodles
- Finish the Dish:
- Scatter your bacon pieces all over Add your diced tomatoes and torn basil leaves Top with some parmesan if you want Serve right away while everything tastes its best
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The smell of basil always takes me back to my grandma's kitchen on Sundays. She'd make us kids go pick fresh leaves from her garden for pasta, and the whole house would smell amazing as she sliced them up. I always try to get bites that have extra tomato and cheese together – they're the tastiest ones.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover pasta in a container with a tight lid in your fridge. It'll stay good for about three days. When you want to eat it again, add a tiny bit of water while heating it up on the stove or in your microwave to make it moist again. The cold pasta is also really good mixed into salads for a quick lunch option.
Ingredient Substitutions
Any gluten free pasta shape works fine – try bowties or spirals if you want. Small cherry or grape tomatoes can replace big tomatoes when you can't find good ripe ones. If you don't eat meat, just skip the bacon and toss in some toasted walnuts or a bit of smoky paprika to get that same depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta goes great with some grilled fish or chicken for a bigger meal. Add some gluten free crusty bread and a simple green salad to round things out perfectly. When you've got friends over, you can serve the pasta at room temp on a buffet table since it actually tastes better after sitting for a bit.
Cultural or Historical Context
This combo of spaghetti with tomatoes and basil comes straight from Italian tradition. It's all about using what's fresh and in-season during summer. Adding gluten free pasta options means everyone can enjoy this comfort food classic together, no matter what dietary needs they might have.
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This pasta dish makes summer cooking a breeze and puts smiles on everyone's face. It's so simple yet so satisfying you'll want to make it again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use other gluten-free pasta types?
Absolutely—just pick your favorite shape and tweak the cooking time as needed.
- → Is bacon required for this recipe?
No, the bacon's optional. Skip it if you want a vegetarian meal that’s still full of flavor.
- → What else goes well as toppings?
You could add roasted peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or chili flakes to amp up the flavors.
- → Can this meal be prepped ahead?
It’s best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently when needed.
- → How do I stop the pasta from sticking together?
Once you’ve drained the spaghetti, toss it with some olive oil right away to avoid clumping.