Pasta with Pine Nuts and Fresh Tomato Sauce

I love pasta with tomato sauce.  This sauce is lovely!  It is light and fresh because it's barely cooked. The pine nuts sauteed with garlic add flavor and texture.  For the best results select fresh tomatoes that are meaty and contain few seeds. 

Mmmm, so good.

Pasta with Pine Nuts and Fresh Tomato Sauce

2 1/4 Pounds Unrefrigerated Ripe Tomatoes (Preferably Plum)
1/4 Cup Fresh Basil Leaves
1 Tablespoon Flat-Leaf Parsley
2 Tablespoons Fresh Garlic, Chopped
1/4 Cup  Plus 1 Tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Coarse Salt And Freshly Ground Pepper
1/2 Cup Pine Nuts
1 Pound Pasta
Grated Parmesan Cheese, For Garnish


Halve tomatoes and place in a blender or food processor.  Add basil, parsley, and 1 Tbsp garlic, and oil.  Pulse ingredients in a food processor to blend.  Add to skillet and allow to warm over medium heat while pasta is cooking.

Saute 1  Tbsp garlic in 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-low heat until soft, not brown.  Add pine nuts and continue to saute' for about 5 minutes.  Set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente. 

Drain pasta, and toss it in a serving bowl pine nuts and the sauce. 

Transfer to 6 shallow bowls, and drizzle with oil. Serve with cheese.

Note:  There is no need to cook or warm the sauce.  Try it raw for a fresher flavor.