Basil Spaghetti With Cheesy Broiled Tomatoes Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
• STEP 2.While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the basil pesto sauce by blending fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
• STEP 3.In a separate baking dish, arrange the tomato slices in a single layer and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Broil the tomatoes until they are soft and slightly charred.
• STEP 4.Remove the tomatoes from the oven and sprinkle them with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the dish to the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• STEP 5.Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and toss it with the basil pesto sauce. Serve the spaghetti topped with the cheesy broiled tomatoes.
• STEP 6.Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cooking Tips

• For a creamier pesto sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or linguine, instead of spaghetti.
• To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, use vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese or omit it altogether.
• If you don't have a broiler, you can also bake the tomatoes in a preheated oven at 400掳F (200掳C) until they are soft and the cheese is melted.

Storage and Serving

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply microwave the leftovers or warm them in a saucepan over low heat.
• Serve the basil spaghetti with cheesy broiled tomatoes as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
• Pair it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.