Garden Fresh Pasta Pomodoro Crudo

Sicilian Pasta Crudo: A Cool and Refreshing Summer Pasta Dish

Because of its refreshing simplicity and bounty of flavor, pasta pomodoro crudo is enjoyed during the peak of summer when fresh tomatoes are abundant. While this can be a full meal as is, many demand a protein with their meal. This recipe can be easily modified into pasta pomodoro with sliced chicken or shrimp by adding seasoned cooked chicken or shrimp to the raw sauce.

Seasoning the protein of choice with salt and pepper can suffice. However, we prefer a blackening or Caribbean/creole seasoning to add a spicy contrast from the sweetness of the tomatoes and basil. The addition of these proteins will not alter the cool and refreshing characteristic of this dish.

Where did Pasta Crudo originate?

The origins of tomato sauce date back to Aztec times in Mexico. However, our search for the history of this specific dish did not turn up many sources of information. For an answer to a question with little available information, common sense can provide some clues.

Why does this dish continue to be a staple of Sicilian homes every summer? A love for pasta, and an abundance of sweet fresh tomatoes every summer. There is no better way to enjoy this combination and stay cool than a plate of Pasta crudo. This love of pasta and access to an abundance of fresh, inexpensive produce is an attribute common in Sicily. These attributes make it extremely likely that the history of this delicious summer meal can be traced back to southern Italy.

Is pasta with raw tomato sauce healthy?

The simplicity of this dish combined with its use of fresh produce would make it difficult to categorize it as unhealthy. Fresh tomatoes and garlic are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients. Fresh tomatoes are a low calorie and low carb source of vitamins and nutrients that have been linked to improved heart health and lower cholesterol. Fresh garlic is also loaded with nutritional value and has also been associated with improved cardiac health. Lastly, fresh basil has a list of health benefits including reduced inflammation and cardiac health.

All of these fresh herbs and vegetables are low carb. That cannot be said for the pasta, which is carb heavy. Whole wheat pasta will improve its health profile, however we are not fans of this type of pasta in a light sauce such as pasta crudo.

We only recommend whole wheat pasta with a strong flavored sauce. This dish is light and sweet, not a meal we would combine with whole wheat pasta. Nonetheless, if you like the flavor of whole wheat pasta, that is a positive way to go. If you are like us, we suggest using traditional pasta with this dish and then cut the carbs elsewhere during the week if carbs are a concern. It must also be noted that while carb heavy, pasta also possesses many positive health characteristics and can be a part of a healthy diet.

How to make Pasta Pomodoro with Raw Tomatoes

This recipe is quick, easy, healthy and delicious. Pasta pomodoro is a staple on menus at many Italian restaurants, even the Cheesecake Factory. Because of its simplicity, we suggest you make this dish at home and pocket the $20 per plate you would spend at the restaurant!

This entree can easily be prepared in under 30 minutes. To make pasta Pomodoro Crudo simply fill a pot with water, bring to a boil and cook the pasta. While the water is heating, cut the tomatoes, garlic, basil and onion. Combine and mix in a bowl. It is extremely important to use ripe, fresh tomatoes. We suggest using tomatoes from you garden or a local farmers market. If your supermarket uses local produce, this will also work. Season with salt and pepper.

When water boils, season with salt and add spaghetti, or your favorite pasta shape. Ziti and cavetappi also work exceedingly well with this dish. Consider using whole wheat pasta if you would like to improve the health profile of the dish. We prefer traditional pasta with this dish due to the light flavors of the sauce. We feel the whole wheat pasta’s flavor is a bit overwhelming. If you disagree, please feel free to use your pasta of choice.

Cook pasta until al dente. Be sure not to overcook. Once ready, mix in the raw tomato mixture. Plate and sprinkle with pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. If you like some spice, add some red pepper flakes. Close your eyes and imagine sitting at a small restaurant in Sicily and enjoy.

Fresh Summer Pasta Pomodoro with Raw Tomato Sauce

Recipe by Joe and Susie

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian, MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Pasta crudo or pasta with raw tomato sauce is a classic Sicilian meal loaded with summer flavor.

Ingredients

• 8-10 Fresh san marzano or Roma tomatoes

• 3-5 Cloves Fresh garlic, chopped

• 1 Small Onion, chopped fine

• 6-10 leaves fresh basil, torn

• 1-2 Tbs Olive oil

• 5-8 Oz Spaghetti or ziti

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Pecorino Romano to taste

Directions

• Bring a pot of water to a boil to cook the pasta.
• While water is heating, cut up tomatoes, onion and garlic. Combine in a bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Once water comes to a boil, salt the water. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Do not over cook the pasta.
• Combine pasta with the tomato mixture. Mix well, and serve. Top with pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Video

Notes

• You can vary the tomatoes and add some cherry or round tomatoes. Just be aware that the cherry and round tomatoes with have more water than the Roma or San marzano.
• Feel free to add a protein to the sauce. Grill a chicken breast or some shrimp with your favorite seasoning blend and place on top of the bowl of pasta crudo.

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