| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 525 | 12g | 3g | 92g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 5g | 20g | 0.67g |
Every now and again, you find a recipe that becomes an instant family favorite. In my kitchen, Pasta with Tatsoi and Tomato Sauce is that recipe. This beautiful dish, with its vibrant colors and rich, hearty flavors, has been a staple in my home for years. Building on the familiarity of a classic tomato sauce pasta, this dish introduces the unique, nutritive qualities of tatsoi, a leafy green from the mustard family.
The Cali-Italian Fusion
Inspired by my Californian roots, this recipe captures a sense of West Coast freshness with the addition of fresh produce and a healthy twist on the traditional Italian pasta. There are melding tastes of the Pacific Coast and the sun-soaked vineyards of Tuscany in every bite. Pasta with Tatsoi and Tomato Sauce is not your typical pasta dish, it’s a beautiful fusion of cuisines that takes an old classic to a whole new, healthier level.
Why Tatsoi?
Belonging to the brassica family, tatsoi is a ‘super green’ with a mild, yet fresh peppery flavor, making it a fantastic addition to any pasta dish. The nutrients in tatsoi include Vitamin C, carotenoids, folate, calcium, and potassium, which makes it not only a flavorful but also a great healthful addition to your meals. A low-calorie option, tatsoi helps to improve overall health, aiding in digestion, boosting the immune system and even protecting heart health.
Aside from the health benefits, tatsoi’s uniquely peppery bite combines beautifully with the tangy tomato sauce, indeed, elevating this dish to another level of deliciousness! Pasta with tatsoi and tomato sauce – it’s not just a plate of pasta but a delightful serving of health and flavor.
If you’re a fan of classic Italian dishes like Spaghetti alla Puttanesca or Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, I guarantee you’ll love this dish. The heartiness of the tomato sauce and the green goodness of tatsoi offer a health-conscious twist to the classics. And if you’re looking to pair this up, I would recommend a crisp Caesar salad or a fluffy garlic bread for a perfect Italian meal.
Oh, one more thing, you can find the best quality tatsoi and other fresh produce here. And don’t forget to pair this delicious meal with a fantastic wine, I would suggest an easy-drinking Pinot Noir for the perfect complement.
What You’ll Need
- 16 ounces pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 bunch of tatsoi, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by boiling a large pot of lightly salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool.
Step Two
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Cook these ingredients until they become soft and fragrant, which should take roughly five minutes.
Step Three
Next, add the diced fresh tomatoes and the tomato sauce to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let these ingredients simmer together. For a thicker sauce, allow for a longer simmering process.
Step Four
After simmering the tomatoes, add the roughly chopped tatsoi to the skillet. Also, add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together in the skillet well and continue to cook for another five minutes.
Step Five
Combine the pasta and the sauce mixture by adding the pasta to the skillet. Stir well to ensure that all of the pasta is coated with the sauce.
Step Six
Finish the dish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Allow the heat to slightly melt the cheese. Then garnish with the fresh basil and serve.
