Pasta with fresh garden tomatoes, basil, baby spinach, garlic and brie
In the summer months, when tomatoes are in season, we look for almost every reason to use our garden tomatoes. The basil plant, which we are trying to prevent from fully germinating, is also tempting.
“The time is NOW,” the garden seems to be saying, “take advantage of us while you can!”
This pasta dish uses chunks of melty brie to bring it all together — the tomatoes, pasta, basil, garlic, and baby spinach, and is tossed with parmesan before serving. Yummy!
Pasta with tomato, spinach, basil and brie
ingredients
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2 garlic cloves, chopped
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1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
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1 pound fresh, ripe tomatoes, chopped (about 2 medium tomatoes)
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6 ounces brie cheese, rind removed, cheese cut into small pieces
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zest and juice of one lemon (approx. 1 teaspoon zest and 3 tablespoons juice)
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A handful of basil leaves, chiffonade or thinly sliced
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5 ounces baby spinach, rinsed, patted dry
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1/2 to 3/4 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta
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1/2 cup grated parmesan
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Taste of salt and pepper
method
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Cook pasta:
Heat a large pot of salted water to prepare the pasta (1 tablespoon of salt in 2 liters of water). While the water is heating, prepare the ingredients. As soon as the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook al dente (done, but still a bit al dente).
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Heat brie with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and lemon in the microwave:
While the pasta is cooking, in a large microwave-safe bowl, add the garlic, olive oil, chopped tomatoes, brie pieces (make sure to cut away the white peel!), lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Microwave for 2-3 minutes or until brie is melted and soft. (If you don’t have a microwave, put the ingredients in a bowl and let them sit for an hour or two to soften the brie.)
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Mix cooked pasta with tomatoes and brie, add spinach and basil:
Once the pasta is done, drain and add to the bowl with the cheese and tomatoes. Add basil and baby spinach.
Mix together so the spinach, basil, cheese and tomatoes are well distributed throughout the pasta. Break or smash large pieces of cheese.
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Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper:
and throw more to integrate. Add more salt to taste.
