She Strengthens

Summer’s Sweetest Pasta Dish

As the sun shines bright, our taste buds crave something light, refreshing, and effortless. That’s where this delectable pasta recipe comes in – a true embodiment of summer’s laid-back charm.

The Star of the Show: Fresh Tomatoes

To create this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find. Heirloom tomatoes are the perfect choice, but ripe grape tomatoes will also do the trick. The key is to let them sit for at least 10 minutes, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through. This simple step will reward you with a sauce that rivals even the best-cooked tomato sauce.

Pasta Pairing Perfection

Orecchiette pasta is the ideal match for this dish, as its unique shape cradles the flavorful sauce perfectly. If you can’t find orecchiette, don’t worry – penne rigate, farfalle, campanelle, gigli, or gemelli will also work beautifully.

Game Plan for Success

To make the most of this recipe, prepare the tomatoes up to 3 hours in advance. This will allow their flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer, more complex taste experience. Just remember to keep them at room temperature, as refrigeration can dull their flavor and texture.

Easy, Breezy Ingredients

• 2 pounds ripe heirloom tomatoes
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound orecchiette pasta
• 1 cup crumbled feta

Simple, Yet Satisfying Instructions

1. Tomato Prep: Cut the tomatoes into small dice and combine them with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes or up to 3 hours.
2. Add the Finishing Touches: Add olives, basil, and garlic to the tomato mixture and mix until well combined.
3. Pasta Perfection: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining, if needed.
4. Toss and Serve: Combine the warm pasta with the tomato mixture, adding pasta cooking water as needed. Fold in the crumbled feta and serve immediately.

With this effortless recipe, you’ll be enjoying a taste of summer in no time!