| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 340 | 12g | 3g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 13g | 0.2g |
If there’s one thing that Southern cooking has taught me, it’s the art of medley – that beautiful dance of flavors from a variety of fresh ingredients gracing a plate. One of my many favorites, the Snap Peas and Tomato Pasta, is certainly no exception. This delightful dish is something akin to a coastal summer garden on a plate, taking me back to the warm Southern beaches of Charleston where I spent many a summer afternoon foraging snap peas and cherry tomatoes from my grandmother’s bountiful garden.
A Love Letter To Fresh Produce
The stars of the show here are the fresh snap peas and cherry tomatoes, inviting you into their dance with a burst of sweet freshness that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. There’s something magical about the way these two ingredients come together, complementing each other perfectly, much like the perfect pairing of a surf and turf meal, the kind I’ve loved since my seaside days growing up in Charleston.
The Health Factor
But there’s more to the Snap Peas and Tomato Pasta than just delectable taste. This dish is brimming with nutritional benefits – from vitamins A, C, and K in the snap peas to the lycopene-rich cherry tomatoes. Plus, it’s high in fiber and surprisingly low in calories. So, it’s not just a feast for your taste buds, but also a boon for your health. I suppose you could consider that part a ‘modern touch’ to my classic Southern cooking roots!
This vegetable-based pasta recipe might be a delightful divergence from my usual Southern staples of fried chicken and biscuits, but that’s the beauty of it. It offers a culinary journey that straddles the familiar Southern comfort foods while leaning into the coastal flavors of my seaside hometown. Think of it as a quick jaunt to the coast, no surfboard required!
Pairing Up
As for pairing, the Snap Peas and Tomato Pasta is versatile. You can enjoy it as the star of your meal, or pair it with a side of pan-roasted halibut to continue with the coastal theme. It also works impeccably by the side of a classic Southern fried chicken dish, providing a delightful juxtaposition of comforting fried goodness and refreshing coastal vibrancy.
So there you have it – my love for the Snap Peas and Tomato Pasta. A dash of Southern tradition, a smidgen of coastal influence, and a whole lot of fresh, healthful goodness!
What You’ll Need
- 12 ounces of snap peas
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halibut
- 1 pound of spaghetti pasta
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Method
Step One
Begin by setting a large pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, set aside 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Step Three
Add the trimmed snap peas to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender. You still want them to have a bit of crunch. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step Four
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for another 2-3 minutes just until they begin to soften and release some of their juices. Season again with a bit of salt and black pepper.
Step Five
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine. The starchy pasta water and olive oil from the skillet should create a light sauce that clings to the spaghetti.
Step Six
Finally, tear the fresh basil leaves and add to the skillet. Toss to combine. Turn off the heat then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss one more time until the cheese is melted and well incorporated.
Step Seven
Your Snap Peas and Tomato Pasta is now ready to serve. Enjoy it hot for the best experience.
