Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Chilled Pasta with Cherry Tomato & Basil Cream: A Light, Flavourful Summer Treat
Discover the delight of chilled pasta tossed in a velvety cherry tomato and basil cream – a refreshing and tasty dish perfect for sunny days.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 320g short pasta
- ✓ 250g Pachino cherry tomatoes
- ✓ 50g blanched almonds
- ✓ 60g grated Sicilian pecorino cheese (DOP)
- ✓ 50g fresh basil leaves
- ✓ 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ Salt to taste
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper to taste
📊 Nutritional Information
This chilled pasta with cherry tomato and basil cream is a wonderfully simple and fragrant first course, ideal for warm summer afternoons. Rooted in Sicilian tradition, it brings together the sweetness of Pachino cherry tomatoes with the vibrant aroma of fresh basil, creating a smooth, irresistible dressing that evokes the Mediterranean sunshine.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water until just al dente, then drain and refresh under cold running water. Drizzle with a little olive oil and set aside.
- 2
Wash the cherry tomatoes and halve them. Blend half of them with the pecorino and olive oil until you have a smooth cream.
- 3
Add the basil leaves and almonds to the blender, season with salt and pepper, and blitz until smooth and silky.
- 4
Fold the creamy sauce through the cold pasta along with the remaining tomatoes cut into wedges.
- 5
Allow the pasta to chill in the fridge for at least half an hour before serving. Garnish with a few basil leaves and a dusting of pecorino.
💡 Tips and Variations
Swap the almonds for pine nuts or pistachios for a nuttier twist. For an extra summery touch, toss in some cubed mozzarella or brightly coloured yellow cherry tomatoes to lift the freshness.
📦 Storage
- • Keep the pasta chilled in airtight containers for up to 2-3 days.
- • Avoid freezing the dish, as the basil and tomatoes lose their texture once thawed.
- • Give it a good stir before serving if it’s been in the fridge a while, adding a splash of olive oil to revive the flavours.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this chilled pasta with cherry tomato and basil cream with a glass of Contea di Sclafani novello red. Its fruity bouquet and balanced flavour complement the bright freshness of the dish and the natural sweetness of Pachino tomatoes perfectly.
Give this lovely Sicilian-inspired chilled pasta a go – it’s simple, vibrant, and just perfect for sharing with friends and family on a warm afternoon. Whether for a lazy lunch or a light dinner, it brings a little taste of Mediterranean sunshine straight to your table. Do have fun making it your own, and don’t forget to pass it around – good food is always better enjoyed together!
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate
Potrebbero interessarti anche:
-
Pasta with Almond Pesto: A Taste of Sicilian Sunshine First Courses Vegetarian recipes Quick RecipesDiscover the delight of pasta tossed in a vibrant almond pesto — a light, flavoursome dish that’s ready in just about half an hour!
-
Pasta with Aubergines: A True Taste of Sicily First Courses Vegetarian recipes Quick RecipesWhip up this simple, flavoursome Sicilian pasta with aubergines — a perfect summer dish bursting with Mediterranean sunshine!
-
Menfi Artichoke Pasta: A Traditional Sicilian Vegetarian Delight First Courses Vegetarian recipes Quick RecipesLearn how to make Menfi artichoke pasta, a beloved dish from Agrigento, bursting with flavour and simple ingredients – perfect all year round!
-
Pasta cû riquagghiu: Sicilian Carbonara Without Meat First Courses Vegetarian recipes Quick RecipesDiscover pasta cû riquagghiu, a simple yet flavourful Sicilian dish made with eggs and pecorino – perfect for a quick lunch that’s bursting with taste!
-
Pasta with Broad Beans and Ricotta: A Springtime Sicilian Delight First Courses Vegetarian recipes Quick RecipesEnjoy the fresh flavours of Sicily with this spring-inspired pasta dish featuring tender broad beans and creamy ricotta—perfect for any occasion!