Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing, and easy-to-make meals. One of my favorite go-to dishes during the warm months is a fresh and zesty fettuccine pasta loaded with juicy Campari tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy feta cheese. It’s simple, delicious, and bursting with flavors that scream summer! Let’s dive into this amazing recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Method
Boil the Pasta
To start, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. It’s important to add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water, as this enhances the pasta’s natural flavor. Once the water reaches a boil, carefully add the fettuccine and give it a gentle stir to prevent the strands from sticking together. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture. Al dente means the pasta should be tender yet slightly firm when bitten. Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, but do not rinse it this helps the sauce adhere better.
Prep the Ingredients
While the pasta is boiling, prepare the fresh ingredients. Start by slicing or dicing the Campari tomatoes, depending on your preference. Dicing will create smaller bursts of juicy flavor, while slicing keeps the tomatoes in larger, more noticeable pieces. Next, julienne the fresh basil by stacking the leaves, rolling them tightly, and slicing them into thin ribbons. This technique helps release the basil’s aromatic oils. Finally, mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dish and provide a deliciously fresh garlic kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Drain & Combine
Once the pasta has been drained, transfer it immediately to a large mixing bowl while it’s still warm. The residual heat from the pasta will help absorb the flavors of the fresh ingredients and slightly soften the feta cheese, creating a creamy and well-integrated dish. This step is crucial for ensuring that the flavors meld together beautifully.
Mix the Flavors
With the warm pasta in the bowl, add the prepared tomatoes, basil, and minced garlic. Then, crumble in the feta cheese, allowing it to distribute evenly. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta to bring out a bright and zesty flavor. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil on top, ensuring that each ingredient gets a light coating, which will help blend everything together. The olive oil not only adds richness but also helps the flavors bind seamlessly.
Season & Toss
To complete the dish, season with salt and black pepper. Be mindful of the salt quantity, as feta cheese naturally contains a good amount of salt. Start with the recommended amount, and taste before adding more. Using a pair of tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the pasta to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful while tossing to avoid breaking the tomatoes too much, as their fresh juices enhance the overall flavor of the pasta.
Serve & Enjoy
Once everything is well mixed, serve the pasta immediately while it’s warm. The combination of the tender fettuccine, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy feta creates a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Enjoy each bite with a fresh summer vibe, and if desired, garnish with extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil for a final touch.
Necessary Tools
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife (for chopping ingredients)
- Cutting board
- Tongs or large spoon (for mixing pasta)
Summer Pasta Recipes: Fresh & Flavorful Fettuccine
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes12
minutes27
minutesIngredients
1 lb fettuccine
1.5 lbs Campari tomatoes, sliced or diced
1 cup fresh basil, julienne
8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Prep the Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, slice or dice the Campari tomatoes, julienne the fresh basil, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Drain & Combine: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and transfer it to a large mixing bowl while still hot.
- Mix the Flavors: Add the tomatoes, basil, and garlic to the pasta. Crumble in the feta cheese and drizzle the lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil over everything.
- Season & Toss: Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, then toss everything together until well mixed.
- Serve & Enjoy: Dish out the pasta while it’s warm, and enjoy the explosion of fresh summer flavors in every bite!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Slightly undercooking it (al dente) helps it hold up better when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Always add the garlic raw rather than sautéing it. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh.
- Be gentle when tossing the pasta to avoid smashing the tomatoes and feta too much.
- Taste before adding extra salt feta cheese is naturally salty, so you may not need much more.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this pasta with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Serve alongside a crisp garden salad with a balsamic vinaigrette for a complete meal.
- Want some extra protein? Add grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken on top.
- For an extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts over the pasta before serving.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Campari tomatoes are known for their perfect balance of sweetness and acidity? That’s why they make such a great addition to fresh summer dishes like this pasta!
Conclusion
This summer pasta recipe is a perfect blend of freshness, simplicity, and deliciousness. Whether you’re making it for a quick family dinner or bringing it to a picnic, it’s sure to impress. Give it a try, and let me know how much you loved it!
